Explore the rich heritage of Clonakilty Distillery with their guided tour experience. Discover the art of whiskey, gin, and vodka production as you explore the family farm’s traditional methods. The 75-minute tour offers insights into the sourcing of their award-winning barley and culminates in an intimate whiskey tasting. Whether you’re a connoisseur or newcomer, this experience caters to all, providing flexible booking options and a commitment to quality. Uncover the captivating story behind Clonakilty’s spirits and prepare to be surprised by what you’ll find.
Key Points
- A 75-minute guided tour of the family-owned Clonakilty Distillery, including a 1-hour tour and 15-minute whiskey tasting.
- Insights into the distillery’s history, production processes, and use of locally-sourced barley from the family farm.
- Visitors can sample two award-winning whiskies in the intimate Speakeasy tasting bar.
- The tour is available in English with translations in German and French, catering to an international audience.
- The distillery offers free on-site parking and flexible booking options, including a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
Clonakilty Distillery offers an intimate 75-minute Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting, including a 1-hour guided tour and 15 minutes for whiskey sampling.
This immersive experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at the working distillery, where visitors can learn about the family farm, barley production, and the distillation process.
The tour includes an audio-visual presentation and a visit to the Cask Room to explore the impact of barrel flavors on the final whiskey.
The experience is available in English, with text translations provided in German and French, allowing international guests to fully engage with the distillery’s rich history and craft.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in County Cork.
Pricing and Booking
Flexible booking options allow visitors to Reserve now & pay later, with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Priced from £16.98 per person, the tour includes free on-site parking for a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Guests can explore the working distillery and learn about the award-winning whiskeys, gins, and vodkas produced on-site.
The intimate tour experience caters to small groups, providing an enhanced sensory experience.
Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the distilling process, the Clonakilty Distillery Tour and Whiskey Tasting offers a unique opportunity to learn about the world of Irish spirits.
Distillery Experience
Guests embark on a 75-minute guided tour, seeing the working distillery‘s production of whiskey, gin, and vodka. The small tour groups allow for an enhanced sensory experience, with opportunities to learn about the family farm, barley cultivation, and the stages of whiskey production.
Visitors can explore the Cask Room and gain insights into the barrel flavors that contribute to the award-winning spirit portfolio. The tour includes an audio-visual presentation, providing a rundown of the distillery’s operations.
Participants can also enjoy a guided sampling of two award-winning whiskies in the Speakeasy tasting bar, with options to taste gin and vodka or upgrade the whiskey tasting.
Whiskey Tasting
After seeing the distillery’s production process, visitors can sample two award-winning whiskies in the Speakeasy tasting bar.
The intimate whiskey tasting offers an enhanced sensory experience, allowing guests to explore the nuances of Clonakilty’s premium spirits. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you will learn about the unique barrel flavors and distillation methods that contribute to the distillery’s exceptional whiskies.
With options to also taste the distillery’s acclaimed gin and vodka, the tasting provides a comprehensive introduction to Clonakilty’s artisanal portfolio.
Whether a whiskey connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of Irish spirits, the tasting promises an unforgettable glimpse into the art of distillation.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyFamily Farm and Barley
The Clonakilty Distillery’s story begins on a family farm, where they source the barley used in their whiskey production. This locally-grown barley is an integral part of their distilling process, contributing to the unique flavors of their award-winning whiskies.
During the tour, visitors can learn about:
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The family’s generations-old farming traditions and sustainable practices.
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How the barley is carefully selected, malted, and milled to prepare it for distillation.
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The importance of using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients in crafting exceptional Irish whiskey.
This behind-the-scenes look at the distillery’s barley production highlights Clonakilty’s commitment to quality and its deep roots in the local community.
Whiskey Production Stages
During the Clonakilty Distillery tour, visitors learn about the key stages of whiskey production, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation.
First, the distillery’s team mashes malted barley with hot water to extract the sugars.
Next, yeast is added to the sugary liquid, triggering fermentation and the production of alcohol.
The resulting ‘wash’ is then distilled twice in copper pot stills, concentrating the alcohol and removing impurities.
Finally, the clear, colorless new-make spirit is filled into oak casks to age, developing its rich, complex flavors over several years.
This hands-on tour offers an in-depth look at the craft and tradition behind award-winning Clonakilty Irish whiskeys.
Barrel Flavors
In the Cask Room, visitors often discover how the oak casks used to mature Clonakilty’s whiskies impart distinct flavors and aromas to the spirit.
The tour highlights three key barrel influences:
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Charred Oak: The charred inner surface of the cask caramelizes the sugars in the wood, contributing notes of vanilla, toffee, and subtle smokiness.
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Former Contents: Whether the cask previously held bourbon, sherry, or port, these residual flavors can impart unique complexities to the whiskey.
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Maturation Time: The longer the whiskey rests in the cask, the more it takes on the wood’s characteristics, developing a deeper, more nuanced profile.
Accessibility and Participation
According to the information provided, the Clonakilty Distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to fully participate in the tour experience.
Under 18s are permitted when accompanied by an adult, catering to families interested in exploring the distillery. The tour welcomes a range of participants, including adults aged 18-99, youth aged 12-17, and children 11 and younger.
This inclusive approach ensures that the distillery’s immersive experience can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews, the Clonakilty Distillery tour and whiskey tasting offers an accessible and enjoyable experience for a diverse audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take the Tour at Any Time of the Day?
The tour availability varies by location, but generally, tours can be taken at scheduled times throughout the day. Visitors should check with the tour provider for the specific tour schedule and availability.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for the tour. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. The distillery maintains a casual and relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to focus on the whiskey tasting and tour experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Identification to Participate?
No, participants generally do not need to bring any identification to participate in a distillery tour. However, valid ID may be required to sample or purchase alcoholic beverages, depending on the tour’s policies and local laws.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour, though they should check with the tour guide for any restrictions. Photography is often permitted to capture the distillery’s atmosphere and production process, providing visitors with memorable souvenirs of their experience.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Whiskey Tasting?
According to the information provided, there is no minimum age requirement for the whiskey tasting. However, participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the tour and tasting experience.
Recap
The Clonakilty Distillery tour offers a captivating glimpse into the art of whiskey, gin, and vodka production.
Visitors can explore the family farm’s barley sourcing, traditional methods, and engage with an immersive audio-visual presentation.
The tour culminates in a tasting of award-winning spirits, catering to both connoisseurs and newcomers.
With flexible booking options and a commitment to quality, this experience provides an enriching encounter with Clonakilty’s rich distilling heritage.
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