McGUIRE, E.B. Irish Whiskey. A History of Distilling, the Spirit Trade and Excise Controls in Ireland.

Illustrated. Dublin: Gill & New York: Barnes & Noble, 1973. First edition. pp. xiv, 462. Green paper boards, title in gilt on spine. A very good copy in slightly frayed dust-jacket.

This work is the first comprehensive study of the distilling industry in Ireland. The author with his long experience in customs and excise writes from a unique vantage point. Corruption, illicit distilling, lawlessness, political jobbery, antagonism to English rule were all accentuated in government attempts to control the manufacture and consumption of Irish whiskey.

Chapters include: The Distillery Process, The Distillery Apparatus, Assessing Spirit, The Excise Administration, Early History [of Irish Whiskey], The Middle Period 1780-1823, The Nineteenth Century 1823-1900, The Present Century [20th century], Distillers Past and Present, and Illicit Distillation.

A landmark publication for collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of Ireland’s most iconic spirit. This meticulously researched volume offers an authoritative exploration of the evolution of Irish whiskey, from its monastic origins to the industrial era, shedding light on both celebrated distilleries and lesser-known regional producers.

McGuire delves into the intertwined history of whiskey production and state regulation, detailing how excise laws, licensing systems, and government controls shaped the rise—and temporary decline—of the Irish whiskey industry. Rich with archival material, historical data, and anecdotal insights, Irish Whiskey is an essential reference work for anyone interested in the cultural and economic impact of distilling in Ireland.

At De Búrca Rare Books, we are proud to offer rare and collectible editions of McGuire’s Irish Whiskey, ideal for collectors of Irish distilling history and aficionados of whiskey culture. Its rarity, combined with its academic value, makes it a sought-after item in the world of antiquarian books. If you're looking to expand your Irish history or whiskey collection, this work is a must-have.

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