Sawdust on the floor, two kinds of beer – light or dark – what’s not to love about this timeless New York landmark pub? ℘℘℘ It might not be New York’s oldest bar – the Ear Inn and Queen’s Neir’s claim to be older – but no bar in New York can match the historic ambiance of McSorley’s Old Ale House on Seventh Street in the East Village. A wall sign in the bar states … [Read more...] about McSorley’s Old Ale House
Alcohol
Top Shelf
The best Irish whiskeys of 2019 have been revealed in news that’s sure to make essential reading for dram drinkers everywhere. Scotch may go down well with some, but over in Ireland, it’s got to be whiskey every time. But, away from the usual array of Jamesons and the like, the question remains: what constitutes the best dram on offer from the Emerald Isle? Thankfully … [Read more...] about Top Shelf
Sober
Malachy McCourt writes about being an alcoholic and what it was that finally made him stop drinking. Was I born alcoholic? That’s not clear but I know that the disease does not discriminate against race, gender, age, position, or religion. It is an incurable disease that can be handled by taking certain precautions, foremost of which is putting down the drink – anywhere but … [Read more...] about Sober
The Laughter and the Drink
The Irish are known for ‘the craic and the drink.’ Many well-known comedians have given up on one. People of Irish descent face a host of notions and expectations of how they should be – some based in reality, others plucked from the air and given weight over time. Chancers, charmers, affable but discerning, fiery but kind, quick-witted storytellers, and good drinkers. It’s … [Read more...] about The Laughter and the Drink
Breaking the Code of Silence: The Irish and Drink
By Dr. Garrett O'Connor, Contributor
“Drinking in Ireland is not simply a convivial pastime, it is a ritualistic alternative to real life, a spiritual placebo, a fumble for eternity, a longing for heaven, a thirst for return to the embrace of the Almighty." – John Waters We Irish are known for being courageous, compassionate, spiritual, creative, difficult, resourceful, witty, sad, lovable, clannish, hot-headed, … [Read more...] about Breaking the Code of Silence: The Irish and Drink