Join Louth Whiskey Society on July 16 with Paul Kane, founder of Belfast Whiskey Week, one of the largest whiskey, spirits and food festivals in Europe. Details: Russells Saloon, Dundalk, Thursday July 16, at 7.30 pm. Paul will make the case for virgin oak and bourbon barrels, exploring whether whiskey needs a finishing cask or if great oak maturation is sometimes enough on its own. All samples will be presented at high strength or cask strength. To purchase a 20 mil measure of each of these whiskeys at a bar would cost approximately €100. Tickets are priced at just €26, excluding booking fees. Whiskey & Wood: The Case for Virgin Oak: New Eagle Rare 12 Year Old — 47.5% abv. Heaven's Door Exploration Series 1 — 54% abv. Clonakilty Virgin Oak Stories & Sips — 53% abv. Jameson Cask Strength Midleton Barrel Club — 59.4% abv. Midleton Cask Strength Surprise, drawn directly from a Midleton cask.