A wee drop o’ the Irish for yer!

Paul McLean of MCLEANSCOTLAND recently made a wee trip across the water to the land of his mum, Ireland. Why? To arrange as many events as possible for the week long series of events in Dublin at next years whisky live. www.mcleanscotland.co.uk/DUBWHISKYLIVE.asp

As part of the trip, Paul “just had to visit distilleries”!!! It’s a hard life eh! Arriving in Dublin, staying a couple of days here, he had previously made appointments all over the city and beyond. First call was to Clontarf Castle Hotel, where he set up an extra special masterclass for next May; Clontarf whiskey at Clontarf Castle, is there any better way to sample these Irish drams? The session will include nibbles and at least 4 drams at the castle. Thanks to Gillian at Clontarf whiskey and Bronagh at the castle.

Next on the list; meeting up with the lovely Linda from Cooley’s distillery. Sharing a few drinks in the Palace Bar downtown Dublin, with owner Willie and pal Dave, a good evening had by all and some really good notes on another special tasting here at the Palace. This will include a very sspecial tasting direct from a cask specially made for the occassion, watch this space!

Day two saw Paul travel to Kilbeggan, where he had a superb tour of the distillery, setting up another tour trip and visit for next year. Leaving a happy man (with gifts) he headed back to Dublin. A few more drams to settle back into Dublin followed.

Day three – travel north by train to Dundalk and then taxi to Cooley’s distillery. A grand tour here with Raymond, he has been there over 20 years! Both malt, blend and grain whiskey produced here, a fascinating tour, not what you would call a normal distilelry tour, no visitor centre and not spik and span (re; Glenfiddich or Diageo) and not a tourist visit, so much the better for our group trip next year! Upon leaving we were given a bottle of Tyconnel each, not only that, at the distillery pub (just doon the road) we were given more drams and a set of miniatures each, good man at Martins pub!!! Continued north to Belfast for two days of pipe bands!

A return to Dublin, met up with Mike at O’Neills pub, another event arranged here. Also in the bag for next year, a whisky special, a tasting session, followed by a 3 course meal and Irish dancing and entertainment, what a end to the day! With a couple of other whisky events still in the chat stage, it was a huge success in Ireland, we are all looking forward to whisky live next May in Dublin.

More info on Whisky Live Dublin soon.

Paul McLean is the owner of WWW.MCLEANSCOTLAND.COM