For some, the art of mixology isn’t just about crafting drinks – it’s about creating new experiences. And as the Brand Ambassador for Micil Distillery, Jack Feeney thrives on the challenge of turning even the most skeptical drinkers into cocktail enthusiasts by introducing them to exciting new flavours. With a self-taught, boundary-pushing approach to bartending, Jack has made a name for himself by blending creativity and expertise into every glass.
For Jack, the true thrill of mixology lies in the new experiences. His mission? To make you fall in love with the very flavours you think you dislike. A natural behind the bar, Jack revels in the challenge of shifting perceptions, one meticulously crafted cocktail at a time. And trust us, by the end of the night, you’ll be thanking him for it! “There’s nothing I like more than giving someone a drink that they genuinely haven’t tasted anything like before. I get a kick out of people's new experiences like that,” Jack explains.
A self-taught innovator, Jack’s journey into the world of cocktails began as an antidote to the monotony of pouring pints. Restless and endlessly curious, he worked his way up, moving from nightclubs to hotel bars before hitting his stride at Galway’s much missed Bite Club and Caribou. There, he built a name for himself, gaining a reputation for inventive concoctions that pushed the boundaries of flavour. When Caribou closed its doors in Galway, Jack took his talents to Dublin, working with the dynamic bar group, The Animal Collective. But as fate would have it, in a serendipitous twist worthy of a classic film, Mícheál from Micil Distillery walked into his bar one day. One conversation later, Jack had a reason to return west, bringing his deliciously bold creations home to Galway once again, now as Brand Ambassador for Micil Distillery.
Jack’s ongoing adventure with Micil Distillery has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Just five weeks into his new role as Brand Ambassador, he was whisked off to London to set up a pop-up bar for KNEECAP’s groundbreaking album launch and listening party. Six hundred prepped drinks, three hours on the road, two overweight bags at check-in, and one house-turned-prep kitchen later, Jack was ready for the “sweatiest” night of his life. The venue? A dingy Irish Bar in North London which became the setting for an unforgettable night. The bar was transformed into a rudimentary set - a gritty, makeshift homage to the anti-establishment spirit of KNEECAP. With the help of An Taibhdhearc’s set team, they rejigged both the outside and the inside to reflect the band’s signature aesthetic, complete with walls adorned with political graffiti, dartboards of Margaret Thatcher’s face, an unsettling UV-lit toilet that felt straight out of the movie Trainspotting, and ‘Free Palestine’ proudly spray-painted over the door.
As for the night itself, it wasn’t just about the music; it was a vibrant gathering of artists and fans alike. Irish folk music group Lankum made a surprise appearance, and even Michael Fassbender was spotted casually drinking pints of Guinness. With 150 people queuing outside, guests rotated in and out, ensuring everyone had a share of the craic. It wasn’t just a listening party; it was a celebration of unity, identity, and a shared love for pushing boundaries.
Wherever there’s a bar in need of something extraordinary, you’ll find Jack Feeney. Whether he’s shaking things up at pop-ups, competing in cocktail competitions, or hitting the road to showcase the best of Micil Distillery. The industry’s gun for hire, Jack thrives on bringing bold flavours and unforgettable experiences to life. Just hand him the shaker and let the magic happen.
To stay up-to-date with all that Jack is currently working on, follow Micil Distillery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Jack Feeney’s Spring 2025 Cocktail Pick - The Enzoni
Ingredients: Gin, Campari, lemon juice, sugar, and green grapes.
Meet the Enzoni - the Negroni’s juicier, more playful cousin. By swapping vermouth for fresh green grapes, adding a splash of lemon juice and sugar, and dialing down the Campari to just a drop or two, you’re left with a light, refreshing cocktail that’s dangerously easy to love. Trust us, you’ll want to drink it by the jug.
“This is a drink you can enjoy at any time of the year,” says Jack. “It’s a drink you can use to introduce someone to Campari -which can be a very pungent drink- and they’ll be like ‘oh! there’s something a little bit different about that!’ It’s the dryness of the Campari and the juiceness of the grapes that makes it so good. Light, refreshing, juicy - not too heavy. And that’s exactly what I love.”
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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