A Drink Precedes a Story.
The Ultimate Irish Booze Tour: A Journey Through Guinness and Midleton (or Middleton) Distilleries
Ah, Ireland, the land of a thousand welcomes and the birthplace of some of the world's most delicious beverages.
Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a boozy tour through this beautiful country, and let me tell you, I was in for a wild ride. First up was the Guinness brewery in Dublin, and if you've never been, I highly recommend you go - just make sure you bring your sense of humor and a strong liver!
The moment I stepped inside the brewery, I felt like I had walked into a beer-making wonderland. It was like Willie Wonka's factory, but instead of chocolate, they were brewing up the black stuff. Our tour guide was a hoot, and I swear she had the Irish accent dialed up to 11. She was passionate about the history of the brewery and the creation of the famous stout, and she made sure we were all fully educated on the art of pouring the perfect pint.
And let me tell you, pouring a pint of Guinness is no joke! It's a true science and an art form. You have to pour just the right amount, wait just the right amount of time, and then top it off with a creamy head that could make a supermodel jealous. But, the best part? If you pour the prettiest pint, you get a free one! I was so focused on pouring the perfect pint that I didn't even notice I had a line forming behind me of thirsty patrons waiting for their turn.
Next up was the Midleton (or Middleton) distillery in Cork, where the makers of Jamison Irish whisky reside. This historic distillery was just as impressive as the brewery, and our tour guide took us on a walk through time as we made our way through the building, learning about the history of the distillery and the creation of the famous Irish whisky. It's worth noting that this location in Cork is the only one that actually makes whiskey on site, so it's a true gem in the world of Irish whisky distillation.
And let me tell you, the tour guide at the distillery was no slouch either - he was just as entertaining as our tour guide in Dublin. Finally, it was time for the tasting. I got to sample a variety of whiskies, but my favorite of the day was the Red Breast 12-year-old. It tasted like a Christmas hug in a glass, warming me from the inside out. The smooth and rich flavors of dried fruit and spices were a perfect balance, and I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing when I took my first sip. I may or may not have let out an "Amen" after taking a sip, but I'm not going to confirm or deny that.
It's worth noting that "Midleton" is also a correct spelling for the distillery, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
My boozy tour through Ireland was an experience of a lifetime. From the fascinating history and passion behind the creation of the beverages, to the hilarious tour guides, and, of course, the delicious taste of the final product, it was a true delight. I would highly recommend visiting both the Guinness brewery and the Midleton (or Middleton) distillery to anyone visiting Ireland. Not only will you learn a lot, but you'll also have a great time, and maybe even a laugh or two.
