Dope Irish Places - Old Jameson Distillery

A little off the beaten track, mostly because every tourist usually only visits the Guinness Storehouse in St. James Gate is the Old Jameson Distillery. I'll begin by posting a video of my absolute favorite Jameson commercial, which coincidentally was playing right when we got there. I just can't get enough of the video thing since I figured it out, can I?

I really liked this distillery mostly because it was only by guided tour that you got to see everything. It's not used to make the whiskey anymore, but rather just a museum that people can walk through to get a general idea of how it's all made. But Bow Street, where the distillery is located now is the same area where John Jameson first began making his whiskey. It all began by seeing a short video of John Jameson's own life, which I found super interesting. What I distinctly remember is that the logo for Jameson Irish Whiskey is actually the crest for his family. Underneath the crest are the words, "Sine Metu" meaning "Without Fear". This motto was used and taken to heart by Jameson himself especially during the temperance movement when it seemed that alcohol was never to be drank again.

These are the lovely ladies I went to the distillery with: Grace and Veronica. We saw loads of people with Guinness Storehouse bags from the gift shop. Upon noticing that, we figured we, at some point in our lives, should do a drinking tour of Ireland and the world at the various different storehouses/distilleries/breweries. Guinness and Jameson in Dublin, Smithwick's and Kilkenny in Kilkenny, Beamish in Cork and the list goes on and on...

There were lucky eight people who got to taste test the differences between American whiskey (Jack Daniel's), Jameson and Scotch whiskey. The Jameson is distilled three times, Jack Daniel's once and the Scotch twice. After that taste test, you can definitely taste the difference. As seen below, I clearly was not a big fan of the Scotch whiskey. To tell you the truth, I liked the Jack Daniel's the best and when asked to push forward which one we liked the most, I was about to represent 'merica and proudly push the American whiskey forward when I got the dirtiest look from Grace saying, "Do NOT do that". After due consideration, I realized that because I was in the Jameson Distillery, I should represent the Irish and push forward the Jameson as my favorite. And what a surprise, it was 8 for 8! Everyone miraculously liked the Jameson the best. 

... realizing that I have to taste test that awful smelling scotch.

smelling the scotch whiskey...

The whiskey pictured above is one of the most expensive bottles that they sold. This is because the twelve year old whiskey held in barrels for yes, twelve years, is considered to be a collector's item. The longer whiskey sits in the barrel, the better tasting it will be. Definitely not meant to be chugged by college kids wishing to get wasted for a night, waking up with a headache. This is meant to be enjoyed slowly, particularly not in a frat house. 

The tour concluded where it began, in the front room. Under our feet were the original stone barrels where the whiskey was held and above us was a chandelier made strictly of Jameson bottles. The decor was amazing and very proper for the distillery. If only I had a chandelier like this... Who is down to help me make one? Anyone? Maybe these ladies will help me. And remember, Jameson is "triple distilled, twice as smooth, one great taste".