Jameson Bow Street & St Patrick’s Day
The home of St Patrick’s day seemed like the best vantage point to celebrate and participate in this years world wide party of St Patrick’s day. It was also the week that saw Jameson launch their new and improved visitors experience at Bow Street and also launch a new limited edition release of Jameson.
Our group of bloggers, journalists and influencers arrived on Wednesday 15th March, the itinerary was not for the faint hearted. Loaded with city tours, demonstrations, talks, experiments, a gig, and tastings we were about to be submerged in everything Jameson.
Kicking off Wednesday night we were invited to St Partrick’s Cathedral for cocktails and dinner, served in what I can only describe as a Harry Potter style surroundings within the walls of the Cathedral. And, I must admit felt a little devilish quaffing whiskey in this iconic Cathedral.
Designer of the new limited edition bottle, Steve McCarthy was also in attendance who at the beginning of the evening revealed is thoughts and inspiration behind the design.
Our first night came to a conclusion at the Liquor Rooms where we were treated to a few Jameson cocktails.
Up nice and early on day 2, sensible walking shoes were a must as we were about to tread the streets of Dublin speaking to many key creative figures in the community. including a photographer, store owners and a coffee enthusiast. A high point for me was being shown around Marsh’s Library (situated next to door to St Patrick’s Cathedral) which housed some of the oldest books imaginable.
To round off the afternoon head blender at Jameson, Bill Leighton, treated us all to a blending session at Dublin Bar Academy, where we were to create our own special Jameson inspired blend. Our ingredients were, double charred bourbon barrel pot still Irish whiskey, sherry butt first fill pot still Irish whiskey and bourbon barrel first fill grain Irish whiskey.
Our prize for walking our socks off during the day and making our own signature whiskey was attending The Academy for Jameson’s Bow Street Sessions. A great line up of four live sets, the headliner being Nathaniel Rathliffe & The Night Sweats.
Now it’s St Patrick’s day… undeterred and still full of energy we headed to Bow Street to experience the €11 million new and improved visitors center. We were booked on the tasting tour and our guide, who was exceptionally impressive, helped us travel back in time to where the Jameson story began. A fully interactive 45 minutes ensued with us tasting, talking and listening, leaving me feeling fully entertained. Ger Buckley (master cooper) was next, and in the Bow Street bar he demonstrated breaking down and then piecing back together a barrel, in double quick time while telling tales of the good old days.
Our time in Dublin was almost over but not without a quick trip to the hub of the St Patricks day celebrations and a few green drinks to help celebrate one of the world’s biggest parties. Thanks Jameson for the insight into Dublin and also the stories about your fabulous world renowned Irish Whiskey, Jameson…
In conclusion after 3 days in Dublin I can confirm, I love Jameson Crested, Black Barrel and Jameson neat, over ice, with a splash of water, with ginger ale & lime and of course, in a coffee. All tried and tested over the three days. Research complete.