What do you think?
Rate this book
From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover's Guide to Ireland
This“sophisticated guide for fans of Irish whiskey” explores the history, distilleries, and pubs—and includes twelve original cocktails (The Wall Street Journal). An Irish whiskey guru, two bartender behemoths, and an adept writer combine forces to create this comprehensive guide to Irish whiskey. Starting with an introduction to the history of whiskey in Ireland, the authors explain what makes each style unique. An illustrated tour of the four Irish provinces features twenty-two distilleries and some of Ireland’s most iconic bars and pubs. From Barley to Blarney links rich historic heritage with today’s whiskey boom and a look ahead at the future for Irish whiskey producers. Then the fun really begins as the masterminds behind 2016’s “World’s Best Bar,” Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, share twelve original mixed-drink recipes tailor-made for Irish spirits.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2021
16 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 2, 2021
A Great Virtual Visit and Trip-Planning Guide for 2021 when the Pandemic Ends
2020 has been a pretty dreadful year for everyone is almost every way, especially for whisky distillery visits and pubs. No way to put a positive spin on it really. But I wanted to think ahead when things finally turn the corner, so much of the year was spend watching YouTube videos about Irish distilleries, classic old pubs, and charming country villages.
I read From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland during the holiday, pinning each pub and distillery on Google Maps for a future tour of Ireland. It’s the closest I could get to traveling. It's a great book, written with great charm and humour and love for whiskey-making, drinking, and all the people who are involved distilling it. It has great glossy photos of so many charming classic old spirit grocers and the publicans who have served as caretakers for these community meeting places, often for generations. It's a story as much about local community as it is about whiskey. And it really fired up my desire to go around the corners of the Emerald Isle and experience some authentic Irish craic and music over a few pints and wee drams.
Turns out a friend of mine here in North London is from Fethard, County Tipperary, and grew up just 4 minutes away from McCarthy’s, a classic Irish spirit grocers where plenty a horse trade was discussed over pints. Small world indeed.
2020 has been a pretty dreadful year for everyone is almost every way, especially for whisky distillery visits and pubs. No way to put a positive spin on it really. But I wanted to think ahead when things finally turn the corner, so much of the year was spend watching YouTube videos about Irish distilleries, classic old pubs, and charming country villages.
I read From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland during the holiday, pinning each pub and distillery on Google Maps for a future tour of Ireland. It’s the closest I could get to traveling. It's a great book, written with great charm and humour and love for whiskey-making, drinking, and all the people who are involved distilling it. It has great glossy photos of so many charming classic old spirit grocers and the publicans who have served as caretakers for these community meeting places, often for generations. It's a story as much about local community as it is about whiskey. And it really fired up my desire to go around the corners of the Emerald Isle and experience some authentic Irish craic and music over a few pints and wee drams.
Turns out a friend of mine here in North London is from Fethard, County Tipperary, and grew up just 4 minutes away from McCarthy’s, a classic Irish spirit grocers where plenty a horse trade was discussed over pints. Small world indeed.
April 18, 2019
If you're looking for a book about Irish whiskey -- especially in its contemporary iteration -- then this book is it. From distilleries to pubs and beyond, From Barley to Blarney gives you a great look at all of the things going on in the home of whiskey. It's great to have as both a travel guide and as reference tool.
July 5, 2019
I wish this would have been out before we went to Ireland last year. Gorgeously shot and a great reference guide that makes me miss the Emerald Isle.
December 20, 2020
Already making my list of where to go when I get back to Ireland...
July 25, 2021
Features reviews of distilleries that were/are still at the development, or even the planning, stage. Not sure how that works: a Guide to stuff that hasn't been made yet?
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews