Jameson Irish Whiskey

Distillation is the process by which water is separated from alcohol, made possible because their boiling points differ. Scottish whisky – usually spelled without the e – has traditionally been distilled once or twice. Irish whiskey – traditionally spelled with the e – is usually distilled three times. However, Jameson Irish Whiskey is of unique provenance as a single distillery Irish whiskey, originally manufactured by a Scot. In 1780, John Jameson established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin but the whiskey is today distilled in Cork (the vatting still takes place in Dublin).

Since before Victorian times, Jameson has been a popular international brand as a smooth single distilled whiskey with (some say) just a mild hint of vanilla. Unique features of Jameson include the distillation process: Jameson combines malted barley with unmalted or green barley. It also uses a “Pure Pot Still” method in its manufacture – even stubbornly retaining this through periods when, due to competition with cheaper Scottish brands, it was far less economically viable to do so. Indeed, litigation regarding what could be marketed or branded as whiskey was brought against the Scottish whisky makers, but they won their case in the end.

A steam museum located in Straffan, County Kildare, houses among its various contraptions and locomotives a number of engines that served purely industrial rather than transport purposes. A large beam engine is on display that was used in the Midleton whiskey distillery in County Cork. The steam museum also has a pumping engine that was used at the Jameson distillery in Dublin.

However, the steam museum in Straffan is not the only place in Ireland to learn about the production and history of Jameson Whiskey. The Old Jameson Distillery, in Smithfield, a market area of Dublin of near ancient origins, is home to a museum on the site where the whiskey was once produced. You will first watch a video presentation before taking a guided tour through the distillation and maturation processes of this significant Irish spirit brand. Provided you’re of age, you can then enjoy a glass of the whiskey in the pub above the museum. The tours can begin early, so if you’re on a tour in the early afternoon, just be sure to pace yourself in the pub afterwards.

Jameson Whiskey Heritage Centre in Midleton, County Cork, has restored its old distillery too, to further showcase the manufacturing process. Whiskey has been distilled on this site since 1825, and the modern distillery is nearby. The heritage centre is home to the world’s largest pot still. Visitors are also free to examine the old corn stores, still houses, warehouses and maltings. Artefacts and displays, demonstrations and working models, all combine for an enjoyable cultural experience.