When the great Irish writers of the 19th century like Wilde, Synge and Shaw lacked inspiration they would hit the whiskey with a mournful vengeance. When creative insight was found in the depths of their glass they would shed a joyful tear - a tear that, due to their binge, was mostly whiskey. Bless the imaginative guff of marketing departments! This was the story I "learned" today while on an enjoyable tour of Walsh's distillery who are the makers of Writers' Tears. The Walsh distillery opened in 2016 and produces The Irishman range also. With their own means of production they hope to extend their range under both brands, but the first whiskey distilled at their new facility will be released next year. My tour guide seemed a bit lukewarm about it: aware that it will sell but recognising that it won't be of their usual quality. At the tour's end I sampled this vatted blend of single pot still (40%) and single malt (60%) whiskies, all aged more than 8 years, and produced to Walsh's recipe by Midleton distillery. Apple, butterscotch and a slight touch of banana on the nose. The pot still component is very evident with a pleasing peppery arrival. The bourbon cask vanilla is the main feature of a simple palate, and the finish is of sweet, red fruit. Overall it is a very middling 2.5 stars - not remarkable or complex but not likely to offend either. I'm now off to put some thought into imaginative marketing backstories for Fighting Cock and Teacher's Cream. How hard can it be?