Looking for the perfect gift? A whiskey blending class at Jameson Distillery Bow St. could be just the ticket.
Draw whiskey straight from a cask, nose, measure, mix and leave with your own personal blend to take home.
Blended whiskeys are currently enjoying a revival with the emergence of a new breed of premium whiskey blends. This has converted a new generation of whiskeys lovers to the complex flavour combinations that these rich blends can offer.
Taking place over 90 minutes, this fun and hands-on experience is led by a Jameson Craft Ambassador, and you’ll be taken on an insightful journey through the art of whiskey blending. After deconstructing the ingredients, craft, and flavour profiles of Jameson Black Barrel, visitors will use their new knowledge to craft their own perfect blend.
To find out what you can expect from the Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey Blending Class, we spoke to Irish Distillers Blender David McCabe.
Your chance to recreate an iconic whiskey
The experience will provide an insight into the world of whiskey blending, with a Jameson Craft Ambassador on hand to teach you everything you need to know.
Through the sensorial experience you’ll be able to experiment with the ingredients that go into a bottle of Jameson Black Barrel, see how the different elements accentuate and influence the aroma and flavour, all while getting expert advice on how to achieve the perfect blend.
“What you’re doing in the class from a blending point of view is you’re looking at the different elements that make up the final product, which in this case is Jameson Black Barrel,” explains David.
“It’s a great insight into what’s involved in making a blended Irish whiskey pretty much from scratch, using the same components that create the final product on shelves all around the world.”
‘The sum of all its parts’
One of the advantages of a blended whiskey is that it can bring together a variety of different elements to create a complex taste and aroma combination.
The artistry involved in the blending of Black Barrel has not gone unnoticed - it is already one of Jameson’s most popular whiskeys.
“It’s probably the most complex blend we make out of all the blended whiskeys we create on site. It’s definitely the sum of all its parts that make that style unique to Black Barrel.”
Jameson Black Barrel combines pot still Irish whiskey and grain Irish whiskey, which have been matured in charred American bourbon barrels and Spanish sherry barrels for extra flavour. The blending class shows participants how to bring these distinctive elements together to hit all the right notes.
Once visitors have a grasp of all the different components and flavour combinations, they can use them to recreate the classic Black Barrel blend or to invent their own spin on its rich, smooth taste.
“Guests will be able to take home the blend that they make on the day. The Craft Ambassador will be with them, showcasing the styles and how it’s blended. They’ll be given free rein to make their own version of the blend from whatever whiskey component they like the most.”
An experience unlike any other
The 90-minute class is ideal for everyone from whiskey connoisseurs to enthusiastic amateurs who just want to learn more about whiskey. With people eager to find new things to try at home or seeking out staycation experiences with a difference, the class is a welcome addition to the Jameson Distillery Bow St. offering.
“It’s a hands-on experience, with all the senses engaged throughout. The final blend is unique to each participant. I think that’s something that will be very appealing to a lot of people.”
As part of the experience, participants will also get to sample some premium whiskeys and visit the live maturation house at the heart of the iconic distillery.
“Part of the tour will take guests to a live warehouse in Bow Street, where they will have the unique experience of tasting Black Barrel straight from the cask” adds David.
The blending experience is available seven days a week and would make a perfect gift, whatever the occasion.
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