Streams of Pogues

The first time I heard “A Pair of Brown Eyes” I was listening to former Plimsouls leader Peter Case’s self-titled debut album.  I was blown away by the song.  When I saw that it was written by Shane MacGowan, lead singer and main songwriter of the Pogues, my search for their album “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash” was on.  It was not so much an obsession, more a strong curiosity to hear it.  I was familiar with the Pogues since I had the cassette of their first album, “Red Roses For Me,” a great rumbling, tumbling mix of punk and traditional Irish music that included “Streams Of Whiskey.”

Enjoying The Pogues old school

Now, this was circa 1986-87, pre-Internet, pre-Amazon, pre-Youtube, pre-everything that we take for granted nowadays.  The Pogues did not enjoy mainstream popularity, rather their U.S. following was more cultish.  As a result, Pogues albums weren’t readily available in the chain record stores in my area.  Yes, those still existed then.  But I searched the used record stores, which usually supplied a wider array of bands at more affordable prices than the chains.

As my casual search continued, the Pogues in the meantime released “If I Should Fall From Grace With God,” which would firmly establish them in the mainstream of alternative music while also solidifying Shane MacGowan as a powerful songwriter. That album contained great songs like the title track and “Fairytale of New York,” which has become a most unlikely yuletide favorite.  “Bottle Of Smoke,” with the band playing so fast it seemed MacGowan could barely keep up on vocals, and “Medley” are personal favorites thanks to, in part, the horse racing references.

But still no “Rum Sodomy & the Lash” to be found.  Their next album, “Peace and Love,” was another fine one that saw other members of the band contributing more songs.  It’s been well-documented over the years that by this time Shane MacGowan was allowing certain substances to interfere with his art.  I am not claiming “blessing in disguise” status, but the fact remains the non-MacGowan songs are very strong on this album.  “Young Ned of the Hill” blisters Oliver Cromwell.  “Lorelei” and “Misty Morning, Albert Bridge” are beautiful love songs, and a haunting “Tombstone” help make this a highly recommended record.

The only way to settle it is with “Peace and Love”

Then finally, the Elvis Costello-produced “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash” found on CD.  The album showed the quantum leap Shane MacGowan had made as a songwriter from “Red Roses For Me.”  But…to say I was disappointed is an overstatement, though I was somehow underwhelmed at first listen.  I was so familiar with the other albums that I suppose I had expectations.  The original “A Pair of Brown Eyes” remains a masterpiece and is superior to the Peter Case version as his, in retrospect, seems a bit too faithful, though that Case album is excellent.  The rest of “Rum…” is very good, but the tone of the album was more serious than I anticipated.  While it has grown on me over the years, it’s not my go-to album when I need to hear the Pogues.

Welcome find “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash”

With many great bands I think there is a four-album stretch of creativity that defines them.  Led Zeppelin, the Replacements, even the Rolling Stones had their runs, and so it was for the Pogues.  They made another album with MacGowan, but he parted ways with the band and put out a couple of solo efforts with backing band the Popes, most notably “The Snake.”  For me the Golden Age of the Pogues had ended.

Or had it?  Incredibly, some might say, Shane MacGowan survived, the band regrouped early in the 21^st century and has performed occasionally over the last several years.  And perhaps most importantly, at the quarter pole of their career, they created, with the help of West Cork Distillers, The Pogues Irish Whiskey.  It was inevitable, I suppose, and thankfully so.

I read about their new venture last fall of 2015 but was saddened when their Facebook post said the product wouldn’t be available in the States until early 2016.  There went several potential Christmas presents!  But sure enough, in January 2016, I received and e-mail from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (I subscribe) stating Pogues Irish Whiskey was available online.  I was stunned!  I didn’t think PA would see Pogues Whiskey for months because of the LCB’s notoriously glacial pace when expanding their selection.  I ordered immediately, enjoyed it on arrival a few days later, and have ever since.  Pogues Irish Whiskey is now available in PA’s Wine & Spirits stores so you don’t have to special order it.

Pogues Irish Whiskey in an Old Pogue Bourbon glass: a match made in Pogueatory

“I am going where streams of whiskey are flowing” adorns the top of the bottle, honoring their song “Streams of Whiskey.”  But what’s inside is the important part.  I am not a spirits critic by any measure, but I know what I like, so here goes.  In the glass it’s darker in color than most Irish whiskeys, with an almost bourbon-like hue.  It has a nice honey smell.  The taste is definitely an Irish whiskey, with a creamy, nutty flavor.  But it’s a smoothness that distinguishes this whiskey for me, a finish with a mild, welcome warmth. Neat or on the rocks, Pogues Irish Whiskey easily stands with the other great Irish whiskeys.  Highly recommended.

Bonus note: Pogues Irish Whiskey is on sale in Pennsylvania liquor stores through Sunday, October 2nd!

See you next time.