If you’re a whiskey lover, then don’t miss the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Visitor Centre, an ultra-modern Irish distillery where the current Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey is distilled. Located in the village of the same name in County Offaly, this factory also boasts a Visitor Centre, a sort of museum dedicated to the secrets behind the making of their spirit. And get ready: this historic site doesn’t just reveal the secrets of Ireland’s famous whiskey; it offers an immersive experience in the art of distillation, inherited from centuries of know-how. A must for aficionados of characterful beverages… always in moderation!
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If you like historic distilleries, then you’ve come to the right place.
Tullamore Dew is a century-old distillery, housed in former customs warehouses dating back to the 19th century.
A building with a certain cachet, completely renovated and located on the town’s quayside, between metal beams and wooden frames, which quickly set the tone for the visit: here, we don’t mess around with whiskey and its history!
Beneath its modern industrial façade, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the origins of Irish whiskey.
It all began when a man named Daniel E. Williams, whose initials “DEW” adorn every bottle, decided to embark on an Irish whiskey adventure. A winning vision, which, after years in operation, has propelled Tullamore Dew whiskey to the rank of a true benchmark in Ireland and the rest of the world.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll realize that the distillery is a skilful blend of the past and the present.
It’s the cradle of a tradition, where whiskey is carefully crafted from quality local ingredients, distilled three times for characteristic smoothness, in ultra-modern stills and facilities.
After paying the entrance fee, a visit to the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Visitor Centre begins with a dive into the history of the brand, followed by an interactive exploration of distillation methods. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how whiskey is made, from grain selection to fermentation, distillation using typically Irish processes, and finally ageing in oak casks, which gives Tullamore Dew whiskey its unique taste.
The visit is beautiful, in a setting full of character. It’s a chance to go behind the scenes of a renowned Irish distillery, with its issues and operating methods, as well as its age-old manufacturing secrets.
The exhibition is enriching, fun and rather well put together. Quite modern, but without overdoing it: the emphasis here is on message and authenticity rather than excessive marketing. Perfect for lovers of whiskey made in Ireland.
The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the tasting session, where you can sample different expressions of Tullamore Dew whiskey. An expert guide will introduce you to the estate’s range, and help you identify the subtle notes of fruit, spice and wood in every sip.
A great experience that will teach you more about a particular Irish whiskey, and give you a better understanding of the Irish attachment to their distilling know-how.
For the full experience, allow around 1h30 for the tour. The center also has a store where you can buy souvenirs and limited editions of whiskey. Be sure to book your visit in advance, especially in high season: the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Visitor Centre has been a great success in recent years!