If you’re visiting Ireland this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, it’s definitely worth checking out the Highland Park Distillery! Not only is this distillery one of the most impressive sights in all of Ireland, but it also has a fascinating history that you won’t want to miss!
The Highland Park Distillery in Ireland
The Highland Park Distillery is located in the heart of Ireland, on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded in 1825 by Johnnie Walker founder John Walker, it is one of the oldest distilleries in Ireland and today produces some of the world’s most popular whisky.
On a recent tour of the distillery, we learned about its history and how it produces its award-winning whisky. We also got to sample some of the distillery’s products, including its renowned Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The Highland Park Distillery is a working distillery, meaning that we were able to see how whisky is distilled and bottled. We even got to help make our own whisky!
The Highland Park Distillery is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about whisky or just want to taste some amazing products.
The History of the Highland Park Distillery
The Highland Park Distillery is located in the town of Ballinrobe, County Mayo, in the Irish province of Connacht. The distillery was founded in 1825 by John McDermott, who named it after his ancestral home, Highland Park in Scotland. In 1840, the distillery began production of whisky and brandy. At its peak, Highland Park Distillery employed around 240 people.
In 1986, the distillery was bought by Pernod Ricard and underwent a major renovation. Today, the distillery produces about 140,000 cases of whisky annually and exports to over 60 countries. The distillery also makes a variety of non-alcoholic drinks such as fizzes and fruit syrups.
The Process of Making Scotch Whisky
Scotch whisky is a type of whisky that is made in Scotland. The process of making Scotch whisky involves distilling malt whisky from fermented grain mash. Different types of malt are used to make different types of Scotch whisky. The most common type of malt used to make Scotch whisky is barley. To make Scotch whisky, the barley is first malted and then distilled. After the distillation process, the spirit is aged in oak barrel for up to three years.
What to Expect on a Tour of the Highland Park Distillery
When you walk through the doors of the Highland Park Distillery in Ireland, it’s easy to imagine what it was like to be a distiller back in the 1800s. The distillery is housed in a stunning Georgian building, and inside you’ll find a handful of aging stills and a barrel room.
You’ll also get a taste of the distillery’s history when your guide takes you on a tour of the facility. He or she will explain how Highland Park became one of the world’s leading producers of Scotch whisky, and tell you about some of the unusual ingredients used in its production.
If you’re lucky, your guide may even have some samples for you to try. And if not, don’t worry – there are plenty of other things to see and do at Highland Park Distillery, including learning about traditional Irish whiskymaking techniques and sampling some of the distilled products on sale.
Conclusion
The Highland Park Whisky in Ireland is a historical landmark that dates back to 1725. The distillery has been making whiskey and other spirits for over 250 years, and it is currently one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world. In this tour, we were able to see how the whisky is made from start to finish, and we even got a chance to taste some of their products. If you’re ever in Ireland and want to explore some interesting history while enjoying some delicious beverages, be sure to check out the Highland Park Distillery!
