THE JAMESON DISTILLARY - IRISH WHISKEY

We took a tour of the local Jameson Distillery, here in Midleton. It is the oldest distillery in Ireland and is a leading industry in this area. We learned about the history of whiskey making in Ireland and why they think their process is better than anyone else's.


Mumsy is the official taste-tester, comparing the Scottish Johnny Walker Black Label, Jameson 6 year, and Jack Daniels. Wow is there a difference! Not that any of us are big whiskey drinkers but it was very interesting that they tasted so different. The Scottish whiskey is heated to stop the germination process (malting) with Scottish peat which makes it have a smokey taste. The American whiskey is only distilled once vs the Irish three times. When you compare side-by-side it is really obvious. The Irish win hands down.

Carter wearing a Jameson fireman's hat. Jameson had their own fire department due to the frequent fire outbreaks. Barley would spontaneously combust while drying and the fires under the distilling pots needed constant attention. Not an easy process to keep under control.

One of the copper distillery vats. Jameson distilled their whiskey through three times.

The water wheel which provided power for the distillery until it was shut down in 1975. There is a new modern facility next to this historical one.

Waiting for the tour to begin in the lobby, where the Irish coffees are free flowing.