Clontarf Irish Whiskey
Speaking of whiskey (when talking about the Irish Whiskey Tasting), Anne Brockhoff in the Kansas City Star this week included among her recommendations for well-made spirits under $20, the Irish whiskey that is Clontarf Classic Blend.
Clontarf is an area in Dublin, from the Irish Cluain Tarbh, “the meadow/plain of the bull”, so named because a sandbar in Dublin Bay by Clontarf caused the wind to make a bellowing noise like a bull. Around 1820 the North Bull Wall was constructed along the sandbar causing the North Bull Island to gradually form behind it, and putting an end to the bull noises. In a recent description of Sam’s sightseeing in Dublin, I commented that this wall is on my recommended list.
The idea for the wall (to improve the operation of Dublin Bay) was none other than Captain William Bligh’s. Yes of the Bounty. It’s one of the things he did when he came back. I also highly recommend the South Bull Wall, but we can talk on that later.
Clontarf is of course very famous for its eponymous battle of 1014, the one where Brian Boru killed 10,000 Vikings from Limerick, and scattered 20,000 more to the Isle of Man, before being killed in his tent while praying for a long life as true High King of Ireland.
But I digress. Then again I’ve never actually had this whiskey so this whole post is a digression, as was my life in Kansas City. Anyway, Ms. Brockhoff’s opinion of Clontarf Classic Blend by Clontarf Irish Whiskey?
Clontarf Classic Blend is a complex Irish whiskey that hovers around $20, although the euro’s recent strength may push it higher.
Their website is currently under construction but I’m very suspicious of anything Irish which uses the phrase Kiss Me, I’m Irish without irony. The irony clause is what gets Gaelic Storm off the hook, and yes I’d be very happy if somebody used the longer phrase of Kiss Me, I’m Irish Without Irony.
I must say I didn’t like this article about it on MSN - because of this attitude to tea as if Irish tea and Irish whiskey are drunk by different people:
Traditionally, when people hear the word “Irish,” it may conjure up certain images–green rolling hills dotted with sheep, cable-knit sweaters and fair-freckled cheeks. Those are all lovely visions–if you’re drinking tea.
See More Of The Same, Whatever That Is:
• Irish Named Wine Dollar for Dollar Best in KC
• Kansas City Water and Tea
• A Bad Pint
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