Thus far the schedule includes a Tuesday visit to Cooley's historic Kilbeggan Distillery which is just now back in full operation after a 53-year shutdown. Then it's off to Riverstown, Co. Louth, for a visit Wednesday to Cooley's main distillery and a meeting with Master Distiller Noel Sweeney. Most U.S. whiskey drinkers are well-aware of the Jameson and Bushmills distilleries and many of their brands (Jameson, Red Breast, Paddy, Bushmills, etc.). But far fewer are familiar with Cooley. It's the only Irish-owned distillery and it's probably the most consistently innovative player in the whiskey business today.

Many Americans are familiar with Cooley's flagship brands -- Tyrconnell, Connemara, Greenore and Kilbeggan.  And some know of their whiskeys produced for the U.S. market such as John L. Sullivan, Danny Boy and others.  But it's fair to say that many of you don't know the company and people behind those whiskeys.  We'll have a chance to take a closer look at Cooley over the next few days.

Coincidentally, Kilbeggan Distillery Manager Brian Quinn and Product Development chief Bernadette Quinn will be presenting at the Irish Whiskey Society's monthly meeting and tasting on Thursday evening. We're also expecting to announce some news of particular interest to American fans of the good dram that night.

After a long weekend personal trip to southwest Cork it's back to Dublin for the launch of whisky writer Ian Buxton's new book, "101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die."  I approach this event with a mix of admiration, excitement and trepidation wondering what happens if I've already tried many of them.  But I will be bold and carry on in hopes of a sequel.

Then it's off again for a trip to Midleton, the source of Irish Distillers' Jameson and many other brands for some whiskey detective work (think CSI: Irish Whiskey).

So check back often over the next two weeks for trip reports and other news.

And as always,

Sláinte!