Irish

Irish Distillers

Region
  • Ireland
Awards
  • Awarded the ‘Master Distiller of the Year’ from Icons of Whiskey in 2022​​​​., Gold in the International Spirits Challenge and the Irish Whiskey Masters
Website
  • https://www.irishdistillers.ie/
Phone Number
  • +353(1)212 9000
Address
  • Simmonscourt House, Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland

Modern distillery lobby with illuminated brand signage.

History of Irish Distillers

Founded in 1966 through the amalgamation of John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and the Cork Distilleries Company, Irish Distillers Limited was established in response to the declining Irish whiskey industry. This bold move was aimed at reviving the sector.

In the 1970s, the company decided to build Europe’s most modern distillery in Co. Cork, adjacent to the Old Midleton Distillery. This new facility consolidated production from the old Jameson Distillery at Bow Street and the Power’s Johns Lane Distillery in Dublin.

The 1980s marked a period of growth and re-emergence for Irish whiskey, highlighted by the launch of Midleton Very Rare in 1984 and the joining of Irish Distillers with Groupe Pernod Ricard in 1988, providing a global market reach.

The 1990s saw Jameson becoming a globally recognized brand. The decade also witnessed the establishment of the Jameson Graduate Programme and the opening of Brand Homes at Jameson Distillery Bow St and Midleton, promoting whiskey tourism in Ireland.

In the 2000s, Jameson experienced exceptional growth, especially in the United States, leading to a global resurgence in interest in Irish whiskey. This period also saw the expansion of maturation capacity in Co. Cork.

The 2010s were marked by a €200 million investment in production facilities at Midleton, the Method and Madness brand launch, and the return of Single Pot Still Irish whiskey. Irish Distillers also became a founding member of the Irish Whiskey Association.

The 2020s began with Jameson surpassing 10 million cases and announced major investment plans, including a new distillery at Midleton and a carbon-neutral roadmap for the existing facility.

Throughout its history, Irish Distillers has played a pivotal role in the revival and growth of the Irish whiskey industry, with a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Awards Won by Irish Distillers

  • Kevin O’Gorman’s Recognition: Awarded the ‘Master Distiller of the Year’ from Icons of Whiskey in 2022​​​​.
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey:
    • Gold in the International Spirits Challenge and the Irish Whiskey Masters.
    • Jameson Black Barrel: Double Gold at the International Spirits Challenge; Gold at the Beverage Testing Institute, The Irish Whiskey Masters, and The Design and Packaging Masters.
    • Jameson Bow Street 18 Years: Platinum Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute and Best of Class Blended Irish Whiskey at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition​​​​.
  • Midleton Very Rare Series:
    • Dair Ghaelach Kylebeg Wood: Platinum Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute (98/100 score).
    • Barry Crockett Legacy and Midleton Very Rare 2022: Platinum and Gold medals in various competitions​​​​.
  • Redbreast Whiskey:
    • 29 medals of Gold and above.
    • Platinum Medals for Redbreast 21 Year Old and Redbreast 27 Year Old at the Beverage Testing Institute.
    • Gold Outstanding for both expressions at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
    • Redbreast 27 Year Old: Best of Class Pure Pot Still Whiskey and Best of Class Overall Irish Whiskey at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the coveted Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge​​​​.
  • Method and Madness Collection:
    • Produced by the Micro Distillery in Midleton.
    • Double Gold for its Single Grain expression at the International Spirits Challenge.
    • Additional 10 Gold Medals across various competitions​​​​.
  • Powers John’s Lane:
    • 95/100 Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
    • Further 4 Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, International Spirits Challenge, The Design and Packaging Masters, and The Irish Whiskey Masters​​​​.
  • Spot Family Whiskeys:
    • Blue Spot: 5 Gold Medals and a Platinum Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute.
    • Red Spot: Place in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 Spirits List, 3 Gold and 1 Double Gold Medal.
    • Double Gold for Green Spot Château Léoville Barton and Yellow Spot at the San Francisco Spirits Competition​​​​.
  • Knappogue Castle Whiskey:
    • 13 Gold Medals.
    • Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge for its 21 Year Old Cask Strength expression and a Platinum Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute.

Flask & Barrel Review of Irish Distillers

As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s toured many distilleries, I rate my experience with Irish Distillers at a solid 4.7 out of 5. Their tours are both informative and immersive, blending rich historical insights with hands-on whiskey blending opportunities.

The highlight for me was the Jameson Bow St. Distillery in Dublin, which stands as a monument to Irish whiskey.

Its world-leading tours and premium whiskey tastings really set it apart. The cocktail-making class was a unique touch, adding to the overall experience.

The only thing missing, perhaps, was a deeper dive into the historical aspects of their other whiskey brands. But overall, it’s an experience I’d recommend to any whiskey enthusiast​.

What To Do Nearby Irish Distillers

  • Blarney Castle & Gardens: Located 73.8km away, it offers beautiful gardens and the famous Blarney Stone. It’s recommended to allocate 1-2 hours for a visit.
  • University College Cork: Situated 76.41km from the distillery, the campus is renowned for its botanical beauty and historic buildings, ideal for a 2-3 hour visit.
  • Lough Hyne: Just 12.92km away, this is a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral: Located 77.13km from the distillery, this historic cathedral is a must-visit, recommended for a 1-2 hour tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Irish Distillers?

  • Old Mill Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +35316719266. Their address is 14, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 V970, Ireland.
  • The Vintage Kitchen: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +35316798705. Their address is 7 Poolbeg St, Dublin 2, D02 NX03, Ireland.
  • Hugo’s Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +35316765955. Their address is 6 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, D02 T657, Ireland. 

What hotels are near Irish Distillers?

  • The Samuel Hotel: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +35315567750. Their address is Spencer Place, N Wall Quay, North Dock, Dublin, D01 R9N4, Ireland.
  • Maldron Hotel Merrion Road: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can contact them on their phone at +35312330020. Their address is Bellevue Ave, Merrion Rd, Dublin, D04 K5C2, Ireland.
  • Clayton Hotel Leopardstown: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +35312935000. Their address is Clayton Hotel, Central Park, Sandyford Business District, Dublin, D18 K2P1, Ireland.