Flavours and Fables: An immersive sensory Whiskey Experience at the Dylan

Anthony and Diarmuid enjoying the experience at The Dylan

The recent Immersive Whiskey Experience at The Dylan Whisky Bar could be described as "a tasting about tasting". After six + years of Guild tasting events in Kilkenny it was somewhat of s 'refresh' and showed exactly how and why progress has been made here in The Marble City. The evening came about as usual through consultations and event development between KWG, the brand partner and the Guild House, but in this case the result was a bit different, a bit special, possibly a game changer and most certainly memorable and most enjoyable. Putting this together were Cyril Briscoe: Guild co-ordinator, Conor Ryan; Pearse Lyons Whiskey maker and Jim Rafferty; the man behind The Dylan Whisky Bar. This was an intersection of people with a shared history, a passion for testing boundaries and what is possible with Irish Whiskey, taking it to a next level, to explore without limits.

Some of the array of flavours experienced during the evening at The Dylan

As introductory words of The Dylan's Jim Rafferty - Whiskey, often referred to as the "water of life," is not just a drink; it's an experience. Beyond the intoxicating aroma and the warm embrace of alcohol, whiskey offers a sensory journey that can transport you to different times and places. With myself, Conor and Bianka, we went on a captivating exploration of the world of Pearse whiskey, where we delved into the five senses to truly savour these remarkable spirit that Conor brought to the table.

Flavours & Fables - Conor Ryan

"A sensory whiskey experience is not merely about drinking; it's about immersing yourself in a world of flavours, aromas, and sensations. Each whiskey tells a unique story, from its colour to its nose, taste, touch, and even the sound it makes. Whether you're sipping a single malt, a blend, or a pot still Irish whiskey, take the time to savour and appreciate the intricate journey each glass offers. Whiskey is not just a drink; it's a sensory adventure waiting to be explored. So, raise your glass, and let your senses be your guide as you embark on this remarkable journey through the world of whiskey" - Jim Rafferty

Brian Hennessy (The Whiskey Chaser) and Padraic Rafter (Paris Texas) immersed in the event at The Dylan

Conor Ryan said "It was a pleasure to be part of the KWG event at the Dylan, where a different type of flavour experience was presented to attendees. Tasting whiskey can be an emotive experience; we brought people on a full sensory journey where the senses intersected during the evening. Doing this while the fabled origins of beverage related stories and sayings were interwoven into conversation made this a night to remember"

Bianka McDonagh, Cyril Briscoe, Jim Rafferty & Conor Ryan

Much thanks and praise must go to Jim Rafferty and his team at The Dylan including Bianka McDonagh who presented the beer elements of the event, Eoin McGuinness and all the team for the fantastic delivery of a layered and complex evening, And of course to Conor Ryan for bring such an array of beautiful liquids, not least the new and limited edition Pearse Genesis Release! Kilkenny Whiskey Guild has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2017. Next year, 2024, will be a momentous one for The Marble City when we celebrate 700 years of distilling history in Ireland and the anniversary of The Red Book Of Ossory, written in Kilkenny.