Jameson Distillery Tour: Cork’s Irish Whiskey Wonderland

Are you a whiskey fan planning a pilgrimage to Ireland to enjoy a Jameson Distillery Tour?

Regularly ranked as one of the best things to do in Cork, Jameson Distillery in Midleton offers a world-class experience for those looking to experience an Irish whiskey wonderland.

Visitors have the option of booking one of five guided Jameson Distillery Tours, which run from 25 minutes to 3 hours in length. Once finished your Jameson Distillery Tour we suggest enjoying a premium whiskey tasting at the bar, hearty lunch at Malt-House Restaurant and holiday shopping at the well-stocked gift shop.

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A Conversation with Jameson’s Master Distiller

Dobbernationloves had an exclusive opportunity to interview Master Distiller, Brian Nation before embarking on a behind the scenes Jameson Distillery Tour.

What are the flavour characteristics of Jameson whiskey?

The original Jameson Irish Whiskey is a blend of triple distilled pot still whiskey and grain Irish whiskey that has been aged in traditional oak barrels at Midleton Distillery, crafting its signature smooth character. The nose has a light floral fragrance, peppered with spicy wood and sweet notes, followed by a balanced palate of spicy, nutty and vanilla notes accompanied with an exceptional smoothness. Jameson is triple distilled and one of a kind.

What is the most celebrated whiskey produced by Jameson?

The Jameson family has been winning awards since the distillery was founded in 1780, and today it is the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey. The original Jameson Irish Whiskey has scooped many of the world’s top whiskey awards over the years, such as Jim Murray’s Irish Whiskey of the Year.

More recently the new Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength has stormed international tasting competitions. Unveiled in March 2018, the new pinnacle of the Jameson family stole the show at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, receiving a Double Gold Medal – success that followed a stand-out performance at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, scoring 97 points out of 100.

What whiskey bottles do you suggest visitors sample after a Jameson Distillery Tour?

Midleton Distillery is the home of Irish whiskey, and as such we cater for all whiskey fans – from those taking the first steps on their whiskey journey up to a passionate connoisseur and collector. For beginners, the original Jameson Irish Whiskey is a silky-smooth introduction to Irish whiskey – it’s a floral, honeyed pour that is suited to enjoying neat or mixed.

PURCHASE A JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR TICKET

I’d also recommend Jameson Black Barrel, which is triple distilled and twice charred, intensifying the taste. The whiskey is a tribute to the coopers who give their bourbon barrels an additional charring to reveal their untold richness and complexity. The time spent maturing in the barrels leads to intensified aromas of butterscotch, fudge and creamy toffee in the whiskey. Jameson Black Barrel has nutty notes in abundance, alongside the smooth sweetness of spice and vanilla, with an intense toasted wood finish. 

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is perfectly suited to the craft beer crowd, finished in Irish IPA beer barrels to offer a floral, crisp and hoppy whiskey experience. The nose offers floral with grapefruit citrus notes and subtle orchard fruits complemented with wood shavings and a little nuttiness. The taste is a light citrus with sweet herbal notes is followed by a lingering, fresh fruit and barley finish – it’s a whiskey with a little extra hop.

What is unique about taking a Jameson Distillery Tour?

We welcome over 130,000 visitors from all over the world each year. One of the most exciting elements for these visitors is that the Jameson Distillery Midleton is home to both our heritage and our future.

While our tour experiences are based at the old Midleton Distillery, every drop of Jameson is made just beyond the barley gates in the modern Midleton Distillery. So whether interested in delving into Jameson’s rich heritage, learning about the innovations in progress as the Microdistillery, or discovering more about today’s Irish whiskey production process, the experiences on offer can cater to every whiskey lovers tastes.

Jameson Distillery Tour Options

Whiskey lovers can chose from a total of five Jameson Distillery Tour options that range from 25 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes in length.

Dobbernationloves asked Ignacio Peregrina, General Manager at Jameson Distillery Midleton if there are any unique products that only visitors can enjoy. Peregrina explains, “We have two exclusive whiskeys available at the Jameson Distillery Midleton. The Jameson Distillery Edition, which can be personalized and Jameson Black Barrel Bottle Your Own, an exclusive that is bottled and personalized by visitors at our whiskey shop.”

PURCHASE A JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR TICKET

Curious about what makes the Jameson Distillery Tour experience unique? Peregrina explains, “We welcome over 130,000 visitors from all over the world each year. One of the most exciting elements for these visitors is that the Jameson Distillery Midleton is home to both our heritage and our future.”

Peregrina adds, “While our tour experiences are based at the old Midleton Distillery, every drop of Jameson is made just beyond the barley gates in the modern Midleton Distillery. So whether interested in delving into Jameson’s rich heritage, learning about the innovations in progress as the Micro Distillery, or discovering more about today’s Irish whiskey production process, the experiences on offer can cater to every whiskey lovers tastes.”

The Jameson Experience Tour

1 hour and €22 per person.

The Jameson Experience Tour is a guided tour that takes whiskey fans on an informative adventure around the original Midleton Distillery. Visitors learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the famous Irish whiskey that bears John Jameson’s name.

The most popular Jameson Distillery Tour is hosted by a friendly Irish Whiskey Ambassador, who will guide you around the facilities most famous buildings, including the warehouses and the Microdistillery. The tour finishes with a guided comparative tasting of three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson. The tasting also features Scotch (smokey) and Bourbon (sweet), allowing visitors to better distinguish the unique aroma and flavour profile of blended Irish whiskey.

Behind the Scenes Tour

2 hours and €60 per person.

Book the extended Jameson Distillery Tour in Midleton to gain a more thorough understanding of the history, production and unique stories of Jameson Irish Whiskey.  On this popular Jameson Distillery Tour, an expert Irish Whiskey Ambassador will guide you around the sites key buildings, such as the Microdistillery, Cooperage, the Maturation Warehouse and an extra special visit to the Distiller’s Cottage. Tastings of premium whiskeys are included throughout the tour.

Distillery Apprentice Tour

2 hours 45 minutes at €95 per person.

Attention Irish whiskey fans! This is the only experience which grants visitors access to Jameson’s live, current-day distillery, as well as tasting whiskey straight from the barrel. If you love whiskey, this premium Jameson Distillery Tour is the experience for you. It offers a deep dive into the workings of the distillery, an overview of the entire grain to glass production process, as well as an insight into the heritage of Irish whiskey.

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Premium Whiskey Tasting

25 minutes at €30 per person.

Enjoy a tutored tasting of Jameson distillery’s premium range of whiskey. During the Premium Whiskey Tasting a Jameson Ambassador will take you through a high quality tasting featuring celebrated family members produced at Midleton Distillery such as Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12 Year Old, Powers John’s Lane Release and Midleton Very Rare.

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Cask Opening Experience

25 minutes at €20 per person.

Visit one of Jameson Distillery’s Original Whiskey Maturation Warehouses, where you’ll learn about the Angel’s Share and get the rare opportunity to draw, and taste, a Special Jameson Blended Whiskey straight from the cask.

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Jameson Distillery Bar

The Jameson Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a sample and sip from the Irish whiskey brands coveted collection.

Visitors who have taken part in a Jameson Distillery Tour are invited to enjoy a free dram, or the bartenders signature cocktail, the Jameson Ginger and Lime. Additionally, guests have the option to opt for a Cocktail upgrade to try the bars Jameson Black Barrel Old Fashioned.

All the products from the Midleton Distillery are available at the bar. With over 40 whiskeys available, newly minted Jameson fans are not be stuck for choice. For visitors who are struggling to choose just one, or are keen to compare the whiskeys side by side, there are options to try one of several Midleton Family Flights.

Irish whiskey connoisseurs who have finished their Jameson Distillery Tour can also book a Premium Whiskey Tasting. Visitors looking for a more in depth knowledge of Irish whiskey are guided through a tasting of Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12 year old, Powers John’s Lane and Midleton Very Rare.

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Jameson Distillery Restaurant

If you’re feeling peckish after finishing your Jameson Distillery Tour enjoy a casual dining experience at Malt-House Restaurant.

The culinary team at the Malt-House Restaurant source ingredients from suppliers based in Ireland’s Ancient East. Below is a sample of the restaurant’s signature savoury dishes. If you’re pressed for time or just in the mood for a coffee and snack you’ll also find sweet treats such as Jameson Boiled Fruitcake and Elderflower & Poppy Seed Drizzle Cake.

• Irish Lamb Stew: tender lamb from Pat O’Farrell’s butcher shop, seasonal vegetables, rich herb jus, cream, drop of Jameson whiskey, barley and Hegarty cheese crumb served with baby potatoes.
• Ballycotton Seafood Chowder: selection of seafood from Ballycotton Bay, cooked in a creamy veloute sauce with diced vegetables. Served with homemade distillery brown soda bread.
• Tabbouleh Salad: thyme baked portobello mushroom served with traditional Middle Eastern salad and roasted butternut squash puree.
• Classic Fish & Chips: fresh fillet of Ballycotton Hake cooked in pale ale batter. Served with side of seasoned chips and tartare sauce.
• Chili Beef: garlic, ginger and lime marinated beef strips, sautéed in caramelized chili, beetroot and onion chutney with strips of vegetables, red slaw and American Jack cheese. Served in ciabatta or wrap with choice of chips or salad.

Jameson Distillery Gift Shop

The last stop on your Jameson Distillery Tour, after sipping at the bar and noshing at the on-site restaurant, should be a stroll through the well-stocked gift shop.

The retail store at Midleton Distillery features over 100 different gift and clothing items so there really is something for everyone!

Popular gift ideas include a newly developed Midleton Very Rare premium gift set, which includes a bottle of Midleton Very Rare and two exclusive Midleton glasses. For those on a smaller budget or those traveling with only hand luggage, you’ll have an opportunity to personalize your very own Jameson hipflask.

Two exclusive whiskey offerings which are available at the Jameson gift shop:

• The Jameson Distillery Edition. This bottle can be personalized with up to 26 characters (including spaces) which makes for a special gift.
• Jameson Black Barrel Cask Strength. This bottle can be hand filled on site at the gift shop by visitors. Each individual bottle is registered on site.

Best Nearby Hotels

• The River Lee Hotel 4 STARS: luxury boutique hotel a short walk from Cork city centre on the River Lee. Check Reviews
• Montenotte Hotel 4 STARS: 4 star luxury hotel originally built in the 1820s. Check Reviews
• Hayfield Manor 5 STARS: 5 star luxury boutique hotel in Cork city centre surrounded by 2 acres of mature gardens. Check Reviews

Jameson Distillery Tour Reservations

Distillery Walk, 353-21-4461-3594

Jameson Distillery is located in Midleton, Ireland a short drive east of Cork city. There are plenty of free parking spaces available at Midleton Distillery. If you don’t have access to a car you can easily take a Jameson Distillery shuttle from Patrick’s Quay in Cork City Centre.

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