December 2014, Mulligan’s Grocer, Dublin.

I ventured out again into the wild world (after my Temple Bar tasting session) and thought it time for some food, that’s another story, the one that lead me to Mulligan’s Grocer – next story on my travels.

My meeting had been arranged with owner Michael some time back, time to pay him a visit. So once there, and a cup of tea in my mits, we chatted away. I had sent a whiskey tour group here earlier in the year with my mate/driver, Mark fae Belfast (he does all our driving on the island of Ireland), to sample the grocer delights. By the way, they later told me it was their tour highlight! Mark told the same story, so I needed to see myself what the fuss was aboot. It was a pre – Christmas day the bar was no too busy, grand, just what I had wanted. Apart from the drink, Mulligan’s is also famous for it’s food selection, specially the Scotch Eggs!!! With a grand array of whisky from everywhere, beers and wines spirits etc as usual it has a grand atmosphere and great staff – are you warming to it already? I did as soon as I set toes in the place. A big fella asks can he help, tis Michael I’m lookin fer says myself, there he is hiding behind the wee partition. We sat down and had a cup of tea! Which I was thankful for havin had many drams before I came in. We talked about whiskey, food, tour groups, special tastings and whisky dinners. Get your taste buds around this idea;

Single Pot Still Dinner and Barrel Charring.

Canapes paired with Redbreast 12 with Goats Cheese, Almond Financier, Honey Carrageen, Fino Spritz. Smoked Bacon & Star Anise Devils on Horseback

Starter paired with Green Spot.  Wild Trout Tartare, Whipped Toonsbridge Ricotta, Ginger Crisp, Brown Butter

Main paired with Powers John’s Lane.  Venison Haunch, Roasted Rainbow Beetroot, Hay Smoked Parsnips, Black Pudding & Golden Raisin Bon Bon, Lovely Gravy

Dessert paired with Barry Crockett Legacy.  Honeycomb Shortcake, Roasted White Chocolate Semifreddo, Sea Salt Toffee Apple, Almond Brittle

I wish I had stayed for this heaven on a plate! But, as we chatted on the history side of things (I do like my history). Historically in Ireland the local pub also served as the off-license, grocery, tea blender and even undertaker. Every Friday and Saturday they travel back to grocer roots, stocking the best of locally sourced products– ranging from craft beer in refillable growler flasks,  retro sweets, Arun Bakery sourdough, Irish farmhouse cheeses, Wall & Keogh teas, Gubbeen meats, coffee beans (they will even grind them for you), Dublin Kombucha, Ballyhoura Mushroom Powders, Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oils, Jams, Sauces and jars of tasty bacon jam.  So – to sample an old Irish grocery shop, make a date on a Friday/Saturday, expect to stay most of the day!

Another sample menu, och I don’t want to leave… Whiskey Dinner Menu hosted by the Teeling Master Blender Alex Chasko. Only 55 Euro to include all food and drams.

Welcome Drink; Teeling Small Batch.

Amuse Bouche, Teeling Poitin, Tomato Juice, Cayenne Emulsion, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Sea Salt Carlingford Oyster

Starter Teeling Grain Irish Whiskey. Sir Jack McCarthy’s Black Pudding, Golden Raisins, Champ Boxty, Sticky Apple Balsamic

Main  Teeling 21 Year Old Silver Reserve. Rosehip and Plum Water. Lamb Leg Steak, New Season Baby Golden Beets, Mouselline Potato, Honey & Lavender Jus, Gorse Flowers

Dessert Teeling Small Batch. Cheese; Coolea Gouda, Poach Apple, Ginger Crackerbread

So next time in Dublin and thinking about a visit to the Jameson Distillery museum, Mulligans is only a short walk away, If I can do it, you can. Don’t expect a brand new pub, full of flashing lights, pugy machines and jukies, this is a traditional hang out where you only go for the drink/food/craik. In excess of 150 whiskeys from Ireland and Scotland as well as a small range of Japanese, Welsh, Swedish and Belgian Single Malts  have been personally selected by owner Michael Foggarty. Mulligan’s also stocks each and every craft beer brewed in Ireland it’s one of the only bars in Dublin that doesn’t serve the ‘black stuff’. See you again soon Michael.

Paul McLean, owner MCLEANSCOTLAND.com and ANGELSWHISKYCLUB.com  was undertaking research & development on your behalf.