From Dead Rabbit, an NYC establishment that proudly embraces the city's long heritage of Irish bars and barkeeps, comes this bracingly original collection of drinks made with Irish whiskey.

Even if you drink your Irish whiskey neat, you should consider this book.

There are 90 drinks here, arranged by the use of single grain, single malt, single pot still, and blended whiskeys. This configuration alone is eye-opening because of the focus it places on the different styles. But it is followed by flavor profiles based on the type of cask used for maturing the whiskies.

Recipe titles are followed by pithy summaries of their characteristics. Chief of Staff, made with a single grain whiskey, is marked "bright, rosebud, cereal grain." Eye Candy, made with blended whiskey, is "sweet, fruity, sharp."

In all, Paddy Drinks is an impressive demonstration of versatility and professional innovation.

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.