Whiskey Tasting at the Jameson Distillery, Dublin

Last Updated 01/09/2024 | 1st September, 2024

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As someone who would choose pretty much any alcoholic drink on the planet before a whiskey, I knew the Jameson Distillery would have to be something pretty special to win me over.

But, alas, it did!

I’ve been lucky enough to try many different alcoholic drinks in their place of birth. Including, sipping Port in Porto and Tequila in Mexico, so it would be rude not to sample a whiskey or two while in Ireland.

Table of Contents

What Is the Jameson Distillery?

The Jameson Distillery in Dublin, also known as the Jameson Distillery Bow St., is a historic and iconic whiskey distillery that has played a significant role in the history of Irish whiskey. Located in the Smithfield area of Dublin, the distillery was established by John Jameson in 1780 and became one of the most famous whiskey brands in the world.

The distillery operated on Bow Street for nearly 200 years, producing Jameson Irish Whiskey, which became renowned for its smoothness and quality. While production was moved to a larger facility in Midleton, County Cork, in 1971, the Bow St. location has been preserved as a visitor centre. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin!

How to Book Tickets to the Jameson Distillery

You can pre-book your ticket online through the Jameson website, where you can choose your specific tour time. There are various options, ranging from the basic tour and tasting to a 90-minute premium whiskey-tasting session.

We arrived early, and as there was available space, they let us jump on the tour that started 30 minutes before the one we had booked. All the staff working were friendly and attentive, but the tour guide was exceptional. He knew much about Dublin, whiskey, and the Jameson Distillery Story. He was witty and engaging, and we all really got the impression that he loved his job.

If you want to meet new friends, experience two Dublin highlights, and drink a lot of alcohol, consider this two-in-one guided tour of the Jameson Distillery & Guinness Brewery.

What to Expect From the Tour

Along with the rest of your tour group, you will begin the experience by viewing a storyboard of the whole Jameson brand. From the company’s establishment 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 uses 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.

It was interesting to compare and contrast the flavours and taste each whiskey’s different aspects. Considering how the distilling process has affected the final overall flavour.

Again, the tour guide was comical and informative, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Rounding Off the Jameson Distillery

Once your 50-minute tour has ended, you can use your voucher for a drink in the distillery bar. I chose to have mine with ginger and lime. Only then did 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 day’s last tour. The bar where you head for a drink afterwards closes shortly after the final tour ends. So, if you’re booked onto this final tour, you may feel rushed towards the end of your experience.