As someone who would choose pretty much any alcoholic drink on the planet before a whiskey, I knew the Jameson Distillery was going to have to be something pretty special to win me over.
You can pre-book your ticket online through the Jameson website, where you chose your specific tour time. We arrived early and as there was available space; they let us jump on the tour that started 30 mins prior to the one we had booked. All the staff working were friendly and attentive, but the tour guide was exceptional. He had so much knowledge of Dublin, whiskey and of course, the Jameson Distillery Story. He was witty, engaging and we all really got the impression he loved his job.
Along with the rest of your tour group; you will begin the experience by viewing a storyboard of the whole Jameson story – right from the company being established in 1810, to the present day global empire. From here, you will be guided into a room where the story is told in more detail; complete with sound and visual effects. There’s also a chance to ask your guide any questions and meet the other people on your tour.
The next part of the tour is all about the whiskey making process. You will be taught the fundamental ingredients and the different stages of the distilling process. There’s even an opportunity to touch, smell and taste the ingredients including the different types of barley Jameson use in their whisky.
The final part of the tour is the part everyone really goes for. The tasting. In this room you are given a small glass of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jonny Walker Black Label Scottish Whiskey and Jack Daniels Bourbon American Whiskey. I’m not going to lie, at this point I was still not a converted whiskey drinker. However, it was interesting to compare and contrast the flavours and actually taste the different aspects of each whiskey. Considering how the distil process has affected the final overall flavour. Again, the tour guide was comical and informative, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Once your 50-minute tour has come to an end you can use your voucher for a drink in the distillery bar. I chose to have mine with ginger and lime and it was only at this point I think I may have converted to a Whiskey drinker after all. The drink was delicious and a perfect way to end the tour.
On a side note, I would not recommend booking the last tour of the day. This is because the bar where you head for a drink afterwards closes shortly after the final tour ends. If you’re booked onto this final tour you may feel rushed towards the end of your experience.
Wondering what else there is to do on your trip to Dublin? Here is a full itinerary for 48 hours in Dublin.
