Pam still reads a pulp newspaper and it was there that she spotted the ad. She thought that our friend Will (also a whiskey enthusiast) and I might enjoy the nearby event and offered to drive. (Can’t beat that, right?)

About 30 of us convened in a back room of the pub to eat, sample whiskeys and converse with Whiskey Master Kevin Loser. Our host (and pub owner) Chris got the evening going with a few stories and jokes while the first of some 7 whiskeys were poured. Kevin took over and began with a high-level description of different whiskey types and common distillery operations. Each new pour was introduced with a great deal of detail. Between tastings, plates of finger foods appeared, prepared by chef Johnny O’ to compliment that particular whiskey. Delicious!

I already had varying degrees of familiarity with most everything we tasted, save one – the Redbreast. The 12-year-old didn’t impress me but it was followed by the 15-year-old which was simply outstanding. A triple-distilled pure pot still whiskey is unique. A Web search will bring you lots more information about the whiskey, here’s a good place to start.

The pace of the event was good. The hours passed quickly and afterward we had a pint in the pub proper, taking in some live music. Chris spent some time hangin’ with the three of us, talking. (Nice touch, spending time with the noobs.) He runs a nice hands-on operation and customers know him by name. The house was packed – normal, I’m told.

Hailey’s has a great atmosphere, everyone made us feel welcome. It’s someplace I’ll definitely try to visit more often. Besides, I want to explore their menu.  http://www.timeoff.org/wp-rp/2011/01/14/haileys-harp-and-pub/

School is in full swing, fall sports are in action, so when thinking about hosting a holiday party, think of Hailey’s. Yes, we do have a back room that can cater your party needs. Leave all of the work to us, and sit back and enjoy your party at Hailey’s, call Chris, John or Jodi at 732-321-0777 for details, dates are being booked up quickly.

http://thepubscout.blogspot.com/2010/09/of-weddings-and-beer-dinners.html

But hey, saying thanks just isn’t enough when we can throw a big ol’ party instead! We welcome you to join us for our First Anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 2 starting at 6. It promises to be a grand time full o’ merriment, with lively traditional Irish music and dancers, lots o’ giveaways, dudes in kilts and last but absolutely not least, your chance to try out Chef Johnny O’s new and expanded menu.

So bring your clan, your appetites and your blarney for a gathering you won’t soon forget!