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I am ashamed that it has taken me this long to visit the Jameson Bow Street Experience in Dublin, especially given that I live just a short drive away. It was only because of a Christmas present from my girlfriend, that we finally visited during the recent holidays. We were booked in for the Bow Street Experience and a Secret Whiskey Tasting. Each was scheduled to last for 40 minutes and provided enough whiskey to leave us in a very merry way. I always find myself wary of visiting such places, especially given the time, money and effort it can take. Fortunately, I needn’t have been worried. It was an excellent evening, full of good whiskey, interesting stories and great tour guides. Here is what happened when I visited the Jameson Bow Street Experience in Smithfield, Dublin.
The Bow Street Experience
We spent the first part of our time here learning about the history of Jameson and how it is made. I am sure down in Cork, where the whiskey is now distilled, you would be able to see the brewing process. Here though, the ingredients and the process are explained in a walk through. Here though, the different types of grains are shown to visitors, along with how the distillation affects the whiskey. What was interesting was hearing the history of the whiskey. We learned how the American prohibition had affected the company and it was this that forced their move down to Co. Cork in a merger with two other Irish brands. These two presentations, one on history and one on the brewing process lasted for a total of 25 minutes before we made our way into a separate room for a comparative whiskey tasting.
As interesting as the tour was, this was the best part. Each visitor had three glasses, a shot of standard edition Jameson, a known American Whiskey and a known Scottish Whiskey. Upon further inquiry, these whiskeys were Jack Daniels and Johnnie Walker. First, we were asked to take a small taste from our Jameson glass. This was to familiarize ourselves with it so we could compare it to the others. Then we drank the Scotch, which had a much stronger peat and smoky flavour. Then it was time for us to try the Bourbon, which was sweeter with more of an oak flavour. Once these were finished, we went back for the rest of the Jameson. Without any bias, this was certainly the nicest and smoothest of the three. That concluded the first part of the experience at Bow Street.
The Secret Whiskey Tasting
The second part of my time at the distillery was partaking in what was called the Secret Whiskey Tasting. Myself and my girlfriend were joined by 12 others in John Jameson’s Private Office. To gain access to this office, you must be taking part in the secret tasting. On entry, we took a seat where four premium blend whiskeys had been already poured for each participant. The tour guide then began to explain what we were about to do and gave a few fun facts about the room that we were in. Then after a couple of minutes, it was time to start tasting. The whiskeys that were there for us to try were the standard Jameson, Jameson Crested, Jameson Distillery Edition and Jameson Black Barrel Cask Strength. The latter two are exclusive to the brewery and cannot be bought elsewhere.
Each glass contained a shot of whiskey. We started with the standard Jameson, a good whiskey that is very smooth to drink. Then we moved on to Jameson Crested. This is a rich single pot whiskey mixed with their signature grain whiskey. Like every other whiskey sold by Jameson, the Crested is triple distilled. Unsure what to expect, I was taken aback by how smooth this was. This whiskey is Jameson’s oldest distillery brand and even though it is not as commonly found as the standard edition Jameson, it tastes a lot better. The whiskey had a slight spice to it with a hint of a fruity flavour.
It was then time to move on to the two whiskeys exclusive to visitors of either Bow Street or the Jameson Distillery in Co. Cork. The 40% Jameson Distillery Edition was first. Once again, it was perfectly smooth. It is this smoothness that makes Jameson a great whiskey to drink and I was impressed to see this trait continue with each glass. The distillery edition was my personal favourite. It was only the €65 price tag that turned me off buying a bottle. Maybe one day I’ll splash out! Then it was time to try the Cask Strength. At 60%, this was the strongest whiskey we would be trying by a considerable distance. Even though it has strong fruit flavours with a kick of spice, it hits the back of your throat a lot harder. As nice as it was, at this point in the evening one shot was enough.
We then were given a chance to look around John Jameson’s office and ask any questions before the tasting came to its conclusion. The experience didn’t end there, we still had our free drink voucher to use in JJ’s bar. This is the main bar on the premises. We had the choice of Jameson either neat, on the rocks or with ginger ale and lime. After 6 shots of whiskey and at 6 pm, I took the smart option and ordered mine with ginger and lime. This is my go-to whiskey drink at home so it was no surprise to me how delicious it was. With dinner reservations still some time away, we had plenty of time for another. The bar is reasonably priced considering, and had a good atmosphere!
The whole experience there was excellent. I can’t help but compare it to the Guinness Storehouse tour just down the road and the Jameson Experience completely eclipses it. Even though the initial tour was good, it was the secret tasting that really made the whole evening. For anyone coming to Dublin, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Although not the cheapest, at €45, you do get a lot for your money. In Dublin city, drinking the amount of whiskey you get here would cost at least this price in any bar. There is no pressure to drink anything or finish your whiskey. A surprising number of people were only having a small taste of each. However, if you are a whiskey fan then this is the place to visit during your time in Dublin. Sláinte!
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Funny how something can be so close yet we rarely explore it in depth! Looks awesome!
Sounds amazing! These types of tasting experiences can be so hit and miss, and I’ll put this on my list! 🥂
This experience sounds amazing and something I have always really wanted to do! I’m going to pay a visit the next time I’m in Dublin 🙂
Ashley
https://www.lellalee.com
This looks like a neat experience! It might have taken you a little time but you got there and that’s what counts.
Don’t feel bad about it taking you so long to get there, it is definitely easy to overlook the attractions around us in favour of more exotic experiences overseas! This looks like a great visit, I’m glad you were able to try it.