FIRST SIP: The Dead Rabbit

Dublin Liberties is located in the neighborhood of the same name, coincidentally in the same city block as Teeling Whiskey. (Photo courtesy of Dublin Liberties Distillery.) 

The Dead Rabbit is aged for 5 years in bourbon barrels, producing a good balance of sweet and spice.

Founded by Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, The Dead Rabbit NYC regularly appears on lists of the world's best bars. (Photo courtesy of Dead Rabbit NYC.)

The Dead Rabbit is a collaboration between  the Dublin Liberties Distillery and New York City's The Dead Rabbit bar. Dead Rabbit is an homage to the Irish-American street gang of the same name (depicted in the movie "Gangs of New York").

Aged for 5 years in bourbon casks, The Dead Rabbit is a blend of Irish malt and grain whiskeys. The first sip hits you with notes of toffee, caramel, and vanilla--typical of bourbon barrel maturation but accentuated by finishing in smaller virgin American oak casks. There's some spice as well--some allspice or perhaps nutmeg. It's a very good blend.

ABV: 44%

Retail price: About $50

The Dead Rabbit: 92 POINTS