I have been asked by the Society to produce an extensive list of all known Irish Whiskey's. Like any project it will have it's limitations, but I hope to provide a valuable resource for all members of the society to access and build upon.
Having done copious amounts
of research in the last number of years, I have assembled a databank of information in excel format, however it needs to be converted into a web friendly format.But before I reach that stage I will need the assistance and feedback of members.
Firstly, I propose to concentrate on the period post 1966 when the remaining Irish distilleries amalgamated, soon after absorbing Bushmills into the fold. This period represents in some ways the modern low point of Irish whiskey in terms of brands when by the mid 1970's only 12 brands remained in the IDL portfolio. (Jameson, Crested 10, Jameson 12, Jameson 15, Paddy, Power, Hewitts, Tullamore Dew, Dunphy's, Murphy's, Old Bushmills, Black Bush) alongside the independent suppliers of Greenspot and Redbreast.
At a later date I hope to concentrate on historic bottlings both those that are long gone and those few examples that still can be found in collections, pubs, distillery museums etc.
Back to the project, so what I would like to know from the members is what information they would like [Name, ABV, distilled, bottled, style, other info etc.
How it should be presented on the website, format, sortable or not, by brand or by distillery etc.
Another parameter, which applies to collectors in particular, relates to variants, limited editions, gift editions, bottle shapes, different labels on what can be sometimes essentially the same whiskey. Again let me know what you want included and where to draw the line.
A validation process to check information, (or it could be self validating as time goes by etc.). I have already asked two members to examine my Bushmills info which still has large gaps in relation to the single cask bottlings.
So I would welcome any feedback and guidance on the direction this should take before embarking on formatting it for web use (webmaster input and guidance also appreciated.)
For those who haven't already seen this site check IWC's fantastic site http://www.irishwhiskeychaser.webs.com/
