It is not so often that we can take on our American cousins competitively where we hold the advantage. So when the IUSA decided to hold an end-of-summer social event based on an Ireland V. USA Whiskey Taste-off, we felt encouraged that the summer of 2015 might at last end on a high. Thanks to the generosity of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, who fully sponsored the event, an informative and enjoyable evening was had by all.
We began with a tour of the Jameson Old Distillery and an introduction to the processes that deliver the golden potion. Then it was down to the serious business of the night. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing and very shortly we were sipping and debating the relative merits of the various blends and vintages and the characteristics imparted by the wood treatments of the different barrels. Who won?
The colours on the winning rosette were Green and Gold but in fairness it might not have been a perfectly paired competition and we certainly had the benefit of home advantage. The important thing is that it was a nice chance to catch up in an informal and social setting and brace ourselves for the work that remains to us in the months ahead. Sláinte.
