*Pro tip - Do not go to the actual distillery, you need to go to the Jameson Experience and make sure the directions take you through town and when you arrive it should be a old building with obvious signs you are at a touristy place.
Our GPS took us to the actual Midleton Distillery where they brew their whiskey today. Our tour was at 16:45, we were already going to be a few minutes late, but when we arrived and saw a bunch of workers also leaving, we knew that something wasn't quite right as we approached the modern building. One worker noticed straight away that we were tourists and directed us to where the tours were actually at. He was very kind and helpful!
When we finally arrived, we were more than 15 minutes late and shared our apologies. The hosts were so nice and said it happens all the time and we hadn't missed too much because the tour was about 90 minutes long anyway. We got a quick behind-the-scenes walk through the property and joined up with the group. Funny enough, after a few minutes, another group joined us (undoubtedly in the same predicament that we were in).
The tour was REALLY good, we learned about the history of the building and the process specific for making Jameson, as well as their other whiskeys and spirits. The buildings we went into were either brand new or original. When we visited I'm August 2023, they were in the middle of a restoration and expanding their existing operations (see pictures). There was a lot of construction cones, signs, etc. but when we got there most of the workers had left for the day.
We saw the distillery copper pots and their new testing/experimental facility that they use to train 2 apprentices a year. Towards the end of the tour, they took us to the barrel room and it was pretty cool to see how they store hundreds of barrels of whiskey. Our guide, Brian was excellent at engaging the group and keeping the excitement in his tone throughout his presentation. He told us that the whiskey evaporates at 2% a year, and since by Irish law, they have to let it age in a barrel for at least 3 years, they automatically lose 6% of whiskey to the "Angels" (the happiest Angels that there is). He was able to show us, using barrels with a clear front panel how much each barrel loses over time. He also had jokes about the cows and pigs being the happiest in Ireland because they get the leftover barley and hops.
The tasting was also very good, as they provided a half-shot of American whiskey and Scotch whiskey as comparison to the Jameson Irish whiskey. He had us pause and consider the notes (smell and taste). Lastly, they dropped us off at the tasting room/bar and gift shop and we could have a Jameson drink (and pay for extra if we wanted). While we sipped, our bartender Joe was very nice and told us how Brian is the sansay of tour guides, has taught them all and is quite good at what he does. We also got to talking with another bartender, Conor and he gave us some recommendations for places in town that we could visit for dinner.
Overall, we really liked this experience and even after a long day, it was one of our favorite tours we've ever done for beer/whiskey!
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