![IMG_4528[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d512d9_aafef951708a4f5ca5a224176b59dcd4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_261,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/d512d9_aafef951708a4f5ca5a224176b59dcd4~mv2.jpg)
Jameson whiskey and Guinness stout have been around in Ireland for centuries. Towards the present day, both alcohol brands have unleashed tours for those who love to savour either a good quality stout or a good quality whiskey. They also set up their storehouse and distillery in Ireland’s capital, Dublin, which opened their doors to those eager to learn more about the history of these brands.
Both the Guinness and Jameson tours have their different ways of delivering them. They differ in terms of their interactivity, the inclusions of each tour, and how much a standard ticket costs. You may be asking, “Which alcoholic tour do I want a taste of more?” Well, this is where the analysis will confirm which tour is worth every drop (of either Guinness or Jameson).
Guinness Storehouse Tour
Right off the bat, the size of the Guinness storehouse overcomes the size of Jameson’s distillery. Upon entering the storehouse, after the scanning of a €20 entry ticket, a flight of stairs takes visitors to the ground floor of the storehouse. A storehouse ambassador for Guinness then briefly welcomes visitors who takes a moment to explain the self-guided tour further, before they begin to embark on it.
A chandelier hanging in the centre of the Guinness Storehouse
Each floor in the storehouse is dedicated to telling its story on an area of Guinness’s history, from 1749, when Guinness was reportedly founded, to the present day. Included in the tour is a visit to the storehouse’s tasting room where visitors can taste a shot of Guinness, inhaling the aroma and tasting it as professionally as possible. There is also a bar area where Irish dancers will take to the stage and tap to the beat of the playing music.
The Irish Dancers, performing while visitors enjoy their Guinness
The storehouse has a range of restaurants and bars where visitors can stop to refill themselves. This includes the 1837 Restaurant, aptly named due to the fact this was the year when Guinness and oysters were successfully paired together. It also includes a visit to the storehouse’s Gravity Bar, in which visitors can receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while taking in the 360-degree views of Dublin City Centre.
To round off this tour, a gift shop is available next to the entrance for the tour, should visitors wish to purchase some merchandise dedicated to Guinness. From coasters to hoodies, there is no harm in showing a true passion for all things Guinness.
Enjoying a silky smooth pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar
Other Tours Available at the Storehouse
Stoutie Experience – From €28 per person
Guinness Academy – From €32 per person
Guinness Storehouse Experience and Roe & Co Distillery – From €45 per person
Connoisseur Experience – From €95 per person
Brewery Experience – From €350 per person
Jameson Distillery Tour
The distillery does not come with as many floors as the Guinness storehouse, however the tour itself is delivered at more of a premium standard. After checking in with the €26 tour ticket, a set of spiral stairs takes visitors to the exhibit area, where historical facts on the wall are set up for visitors to read.
As the time of the tour approaches, a Jameson ambassador makes themselves known to take the visitors through to the first room of the tour. The room is set up as an amphitheatre for visitors to gather around and take a seat; the ambassador then goes on to tell the tale of Jameson’s origin from 1780 to the present day. They make the history of this Irish whiskey come to life, while including elements of humour, before inviting them into the second room.
This room has a table of all the ingredients needed to form this popular whiskey. The chance to smell these ingredients is also there, some of which have a peculiar smell, given they are purely raw ingredients. This part of the tour comes with smartly timed lighting to point out everything on the table, including the whiskey samples in each flask. The Jameson ambassador then explains the process of creating this whiskey from the grain to the glass.
Flasks displaying the maturity of Jameson whiskey over time
The final part of this tour is the part that visitors will be looking forward to the most: the tasting of three different Jameson whiskies. The original Jameson shot is in the middle and is centred between a Crested whiskey shot and a Black Barrel whiskey shot. A Biscoff biscuit is also included as a snack as visitors make their way through these three whiskies, taking in the flavours, textures, and aromas of each one.
The three Jameson whiskeys, ready for me to sample
To round off this tour, a signature cocktail can be enjoyed by visitors, either before or after the tour. This can include an Orange Jameson and Lemonade, a truly summery drink with a pleasurable and refreshing taste.
A glass of Orange Jameson with Lemonade, enjoyed after the tour
Other Tours Available at Bow Street
Secret Whiskey Tasting - €40 per person
Bow Street Experience & Cask Draw - €41 per person
Whiskey Cocktail Making Class - €55 per person
Jameson Black Barrel Blending Class - €60 per person
Jameson Black Barrel – Bottle Your Own - €120 per person
The Tasting Table - €140 per person
Conclusion (Guinness or Jameson?)
The Guinness Storehouse comes with more floors to explore than the Jameson Distillery. However, the Jameson Distillery tour is more immersive, albeit shorter than the Guinness tour. Prices on the Jameson tour are slightly cheaper than what is being sold on the Guinness tour.
These are the basic facts that can be pulled from the debate on which tour is better. One thing is clear, however – For more historical insights, Guinness is the way to go; for more interactivity and tastings, Jameson will not let you down.
Nothing should stop you however from wanting to try something new, especially if you have never tried either Guinness or Jameson. For that to happen, you just have to visit Dublin and release your previously unknown love for these alcoholic beverages.