Jameson Experience, Midleton

The Jameson Experience

Jameson Experience Entrance
Established	Distillery: 1825-1975, Visitors Centre since 1992
Location	Old Distillery Walk, Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
Website	http://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/ie/tours/jamesonexperience

The Jameson Experience, Midleton, (also known as the Old Midleton Distillery) is an Irish whiskey tourist attraction located in the Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland.^[1] Since opening as an attraction in 1992, it receives approximately 100,000 guests per year.^[2][3] Set over 15 acres and only 15 minutes drive from Cork city, The Old Midleton Distillery is the original site where Cork Distilleries Co. Ltd. whiskey was distilled until the expansion of the distillery in 1975. The expansion was a result of the merger between three former whiskey-making rivals, Dublin Distillers Ltd., Cork Distillers Company and John Powers in 1966. It now houses a re-created visitor centre that provides tours, a restaurant called the Malt House Restaurant, and a gift shop.

As of May 2014, adult ticket prices are €14 and include a glass of Jameson Whiskey or a Jameson cocktail (Jameson Ginger & Lime) at the Jameson Bar. Under 18’s receive a soft drink after the tour. Tours take approximately 1 hour and are scheduled according to the season. Winter is November to March and the tour times are: 11.30, 13.15, 14.30 and 16.00hrs.

Summer is April to October and the tours run every 20 minutes between 10.00 and 16.30 hrs.

History

Following a difficult period that included American Prohibition, Ireland’s trade war with Great Britain, and the introduction of Scottish blended whisky, the Jameson distillery in Dublin fell on hard times and decided to form the Irish Distillers Group with their previous rivals, the Cork Distillers Company and John Powers in 1966. By 1971, a new distillery was built at Midleton alongside the old, which is the Jameson Experience today. Over a period of five years, all of the old distilleries closed as the new Midleton Distillery grew. The distillery underwent a €100 million expansion in 2013.^[4]

Visitor Attractions

The Jameson Experience, Midleton tour explains the history of Jameson Whiskey and the distillery that operated before it was produced there. Guests are guided through the old distillery, where they can admire the old kilns, mills, maltings, water wheel, still house, distiller’s cottage, cooperage and warehouses.^[3] Small numbers of tourers can also volunteer to participate in a taste test between Jameson Whiskey, Scottish whisky, and American whiskey to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster".^[5]

Shuttle bus service are available from April to October - 10.00am and 2.00pm daily from Patricks Quay Cork, to the Jameson Experience, Midleton and return.^[1]

References