Pioneer-ing Irish Whiskey in America
At Irish Whiskey Society of America tastings we make -- and usually prove, I think -- the point that although we really like pretty much everything about the whiskey, it's not really about the whiskey in the end. It's about the people, the conversations, the connections, the socializing, collectively also known as the craic. Many times I've heard attendees say that they enjoyed expanding their knowledge of Irish whiskey, heritage and culture, but that they really liked sharing that experience with new and old friends.
We've also noticed that some good sports come along with whiskey-drinking attendees. These folks aren't really whiskey drinkers, or even drinkers beyond an occasional glass of something. They came for the social part or to be the designated driver. That makes them whiskey supporters, I suppose. They're important because they are there in support and really did come along for the craic, even if they never heard of the word.
We welcome those supporters. And in keeping with the "history and heritage" part of our mission, we've come up with a new type of lower-cost tasting fee. It's called the "Pioneer" tasting fee, after the Irish Total Abstinence Association of teetotalers. No Pledge-Taking involved however. (And yes, that's rife with contradiction, but there's your Irish heritage for you.) It gives us a brief opportunity to talk about the Pioneer movement, Father Mathew, Father Cullen, etc., etc., for just another slice of historical context.
No disrepect intended to the Pioneers themselves, and it's all in good fun. The craic, so. Our "Pioneers" can enjoy being out with friends or partners, the food we
provide at the tasting and everything else, just without the whiskey.
And it's $20 vs. our regular $35 fee.
All for a good cause.
We welcome those supporters. And in keeping with the "history and heritage" part of our mission, we've come up with a new type of lower-cost tasting fee. It's called the "Pioneer" tasting fee, after the Irish Total Abstinence Association of teetotalers. No Pledge-Taking involved however. (And yes, that's rife with contradiction, but there's your Irish heritage for you.) It gives us a brief opportunity to talk about the Pioneer movement, Father Mathew, Father Cullen, etc., etc., for just another slice of historical context.
There's your man: Fr. Mathew on St. Patrick Street in Cork, and Fr. Cullen
All for a good cause.
Yes I would be considered one of the "supporters!" I'm Allan's sister and despite his influence I am still not liking the whiskey! Beer or wine is just fine!!
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