Everything you need to know about Midleton Distillery

Overview & History

Midleton Distillery is located in County Cork, Ireland, and is one of the most important whiskey production sites in the world. The original Old Midleton Distillery was founded in 1825 and operated until the 1970s.

In 1975, Irish Distillers built the New Midleton Distillery next to the historic site, consolidating production from several Irish distilleries into one modern facility. Today, Midleton is the primary production centre for many of Ireland’s best-known whiskey brands.

The site remains one of the largest and most technologically advanced whiskey distilleries in operation.

Production

• Spirit Types: Single pot still, single malt, grain whiskey, and blended whiskey

• Distillation: Large copper pot stills for pot still whiskey and column stills for grain whiskey

• Water Source: Local Dungourney River

• Cask Policy: Primarily ex-bourbon and sherry casks, with some wine and specialty casks

• Distillation Method: Triple distillation (traditional Irish style)

Midleton houses some of the largest copper pot stills in the world, used to produce traditional Irish single pot still whiskey.

Whisky Style

Midleton-produced whiskey is typically:

• Smooth and approachable

• Light fruit (apple, pear)

• Honey and vanilla sweetness

• Soft spice

• Clean, elegant finish

The triple distillation process results in a lighter, smoother spirit compared with most Scotch whiskies.

Key Brands Produced at Midleton

Midleton is responsible for producing several major Irish whiskey brands, including:

• Jameson

• Redbreast

• Green Spot

• Powers

• Midleton Very Rare

Each brand uses different blends of pot still, malt, and grain whiskey produced at the distillery.

Significance

Midleton is the core production hub of modern Irish whiskey. Its consolidation of several historic distilleries allowed the Irish whiskey industry to survive during a period of severe decline in the mid-20th century.

Today, it produces many of the most globally recognised Irish whiskey brands and remains central to the continuing growth and premiumisation of the category.