May 13 - Jameson(Middleton)

Today we headed off to the Jameson Distillery in Middleton. We had done the tour in Dublin, but they don't actually make it there, so we decided to actually see the distillery. The tour doesn't go through the current distillery, but it does bring you through where it originally started, including the actual buildings. If you've been reading this whole Blog, you'll know that I didn't make the taste testing at the one in Dublin, so I was eager to be part of the tasting here. As soon as our tour guide mentioned it, I quickly raised my hand. Since I was the only one, apparently word didn't get out in Middleton to raise your hand quickly, I was on the 3 men chosen. They pick 3 men and 3 women.

The tasting consisted of 3 Irish Whiskeys (all owned by Jameson or it's parent company), a Scotch Whiskey(the best selling Scotch, according to our guide), and the most popular American Whiskey.


What are the Differences?
- American Whiskey (Jack Daniels) - Is distilled once using only new barrels
- Scotch Whiskey (Johnny Walker Red) - Is distilled twice
- Irish Whiskey (Patty, Jameson, and Powers) - Is distilled three times

There are certainly many more differences, but that's one of the main differences they told us about. It is apparently law that American Whiskey be made in new barrels only. A law that was designed to keep Coopers (the craftsman that make them) in employment. Irish Whiskey is made in used barrels, much of which come from the US. Guinness is also made using used barrels as well.