Midleton Distillery

From a converted woollen mill in County Cork, Midleton Distillery has grown to become Ireland's most comprehensive whiskey producer, crafting everything from the world's most popular Irish whiskey to some of its rarest expressions. What began as the Murphy brothers' venture in 1825 now stands as the modern heart of Irish whiskey, where traditional pot still methods meet cutting-edge production.

History & Heritage

The Murphy brothers founded the original Midleton Distillery in 1825, converting an old woollen mill in County Cork into what would become a cornerstone of Irish whiskey. After 150 years of operation, the historic consolidation of 1966 brought together Jameson, Powers, and the Cork Distillery Company under the Irish Distillers Group. This merger led to the construction of the modern Midleton facility in 1975, built adjacent to the original site, which now houses the Jameson Experience visitor center.

The Whiskey

Midleton produces the full spectrum of Irish whiskey styles: single pot still, single malt, grain, and blended expressions, all from one facility. Their signature triple pot still distillation creates the smooth character found across their range, while column stills handle grain whiskey production. The distillery combines malted and unmalted barley for their distinctive single pot still whiskeys, sourcing Irish barley and pure water from the Dungourney River. Their portfolio spans from Jameson's global reach to the rarified Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection, which contains the final expressions from the original 1825 distillery.

Why It Matters

Midleton represents Irish whiskey's past, present, and future under one roof, producing Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, and the coveted Spot Whiskeys. The distillery's recent recognition as "Most Awarded International Distillery" at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, earning Double Golds and Platinum awards, confirms what those who appreciate good whiskey already know. Few distilleries can claim such breadth of production capability while maintaining the craftsmanship evident in expressions like Redbreast 21 and Barry Crockett Legacy.