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DRINKS Teeling X Fallon & Byrne Over in the heart
of the Liberties, one of Dublin 8’s newest distilleries has once again joined forces with a popular city centre food emporium to conjure up a taste of delicious yuletide magic. Fallon and Byrne’s Whiskey Mince Pies recently hit the shelves in the Food Hall on Exchequer Street, fortified by a drop or two of Teeling Small Batch Whiskey. The tasting notes – floral and herbal, with hints of vanilla, rum raisin notes, and all spice – tell you everything you need to know about why this collaboration proves perennially popular at this time of year. The whiskey’s creamy vanilla sweetness, with a dried fruit, raisin and apricot character and slight tingling spice work brilliantly in the heart of winter, featuring a long, warming finish with lingering sweetness, spice, and oak notes. The mince pies are handmade in-house by the talented pastry team at Fallon and Byrne, with a delicious buttery crust packed with a generous filling of spiced, boozed up fruit. Perfect with an Irish Coffee or two. teelingwhiskey.com Festive Tipples From a drinks perspective, the spirit of the season is nicely encapsulated by Whiskey and Sherry, with the flavours of each frequently found in puddings, cakes and mince pies at this time of year. When it comes to drinking them by the glass, everyone has their favourite, but this year, we reckon a bottle of Redbreast Pedro Ximénez Edition would make for a very welcome stocking filler for those who like their whiskey infused with a touch of Spain. This single pot still Irish whiskey is triple distilled and initially matured in exbourbon and oloroso sherry casks, before being re-casked into Pedro Ximénez hogsheads for a minimum of 12 months. The result is a zesty, syrupy mouthful with the perfect balance of fruit, spice and toasted notes. Widely recognised as another stunning example from Midleton’s skilled whiskey makers, it won ‘Best Single Pot Still 11 Years or Younger’ at The Irish Whiskey Awards 2024. (RRP €94) Meanwhile, those looking for a whiskey gift with added seasonality might enjoy a gift set featuring the latest iconic Redbreast bird feeder, which can be filled with bird feed and hung on a branch. It comes with a set of two Redbreast tumblers and a bottle of Redbreast 12 year old to savour. (RRP €120) Slainte! midletondistillerycollection.com Say Hello to the New GM at ely As Erik and Michelle Robson celebrate 25 years of food and wine on Ely Pace, the convivial couple recently announced the appointment of Neil Kenna as their new General Manager. In recent times the talented Mr Kenna is probably best known for screen appearances as the charming bar tender from First Dates Ireland, but over the years diners across the city will have experienced the warmth of his hospitality in real time during his previous stints at Chapter One, The Merrion, and Luna. Pop by, say ‘Hi’, and while you’re at it enjoy a glass of something lov-ely to toast the season. @elywinebar 42