We decided to take in one more of the touristy sights here in the area by visiting the Jameson (whisky) Heritage Centre in Midleton. It's maybe 10 miles away from our house, so a nice, quick drive.
The next tour was scheduled to start 25 minutes after we arrived and purchased our tickets (I have no idea why these places are so pricey, but whatever. . .) so we were left with more than ample time to check out the gift shop (of course) and the toilets (of course). These refurbished buildings did not plan for pregnant ladies to fit into their bathroom stalls. I swear, that's one thing I will be glad to be back to in the States--bathrooms for big people.
Anyway, the tour was very neat and gave a clear understanding of the differences between Irish whisky and Scottish and American whisky.
At the end of the tour you got a free tasting of the (cheapest, least-aged) Jameson whisky. Here I am with my glass.
My DH insisted on taking this picture so he can whip it out at our kid's first ARD* and point the finger at me: "It's all her fault! She drank while she was pregnant!" A la Steve Martin in the movie "Parenthood."Earlier in the year, we were given a small bottle of the 12-year-aged Jameson whisky that was absolutely divine, but this stuff we sampled today was considerably harsher. I managed one sip straight up, one sip after diluting the glass 50% with water, and then my lips went numb and I figured I should give up while ahead.
Mostly, I wanted you all to see my good hair day that I was having. Sort of a redemption after my last bump pic and pre-Fun-Monday bad hair pic.
* And ARD, for those not in the Texas education system, is a meeting for parents (if they show up), the student, the special education department, principal, counselor, etc. to Assess, Refer, and Dismiss (that's correct, right?) to see if your kid should receive services from special programs. Not everyone has to go through these meetings--only those whose kids get referred because of behavior, physical or mental concerns, etc. Mostly, DH was just joking to reference "Parenthood" but we fully expect the KidZilla to be hell on wheels and then some. And not because I had two sips of Irish whisky.
Don't you judge me!
15 comments:
Sounds like a good place to visit on your last weekend although I'm not a huge whiskey fan, Joules loves it so if we're ever in that nexk of the woods I'll know where to go (and I'll make sure I'm not pregnant)!
Heya Sabrina - I get fewer comments than you might imagine, thanks for yours!
I too stopped in Middleton's distillery and left feeling unsatisfied.
While it is an impressive thing, I still harbour a bit of discomfort with the idea that this is the company that bought out every small Irish whiskey distiller to become the single producer of Irish whiskey in Ireland (prior to Cooley starting up in the 1980s, that is). When folks find out all those "quaint" Irish whiskeys are made in the same factory, it kinda hurts the image, doesn't it?
They also seem keen on setting up displays about whiskey making rather than letting tourists anywhere near the modern, computer-controlled steel and glass whiskey making machinery.
Maybe they fear such an encounter would kill the magic.
They're probably right.
Good luck with the wee one and the move!
I laughed when you said your lips went numb - because that is why I don't drink Whiskey (even when given some that is suposedly "smooth" - I swear it makes me numb.)
Looks like a fun place too. So, what is the difference b/n Irish, Scottish, and American Whiskey? (besides the places they were made)
Dear sabrina. Cool piccies! I'm not at all a whisky fan... But would still be interested to know the diff between irish and american...?
1. While you can still remember, I too would like a post on the differences between the whiskeys.
2. Are you kidding me? You post a picture of pregnancy enlarged breasts and two glasses of whiskey and you expect me to notice your damn hair?!
3. So, sounds like you are about to pull the plug on Cork. (sorry, couldn't help myself)
Sean, I think I know why you don't get too many comments, you profile isn't public.
Hi Sabrina,
willowtree is a perv and your hair was the first thing I noticed - does pregnancy make it that glossy? If so, where can I buy some?
ha for the hair.
My hair fell out soon after giving birth. I was glad about that because I grew it places where it had never been before.
TMI?
of course, that was years ago,so maybe I still have a little Neanderthal blood in me.
envious of your experience of living in another country.
Beccy: I think my verdict on the "water of life" is still out
Sean: I've been lurking you daily for 6 months, so I'll comment more often. It was weird that they wouldn't let you anywhere near the new factory. My DH totally agrees with you about the mega-whisky maker image.
Karmyn: glad to know I am not alone in the numbness!
Karmyn, LMM and WT: Irish whisky is distilled three times, Scottish usually just twice, and American, once. Also Jack Daniels is a corn whisky while Irish is made from barley. Scottish stuff has that smoky/peaty flavor because the grain is dried with direct heat while Irish is dried away from direct heat from a smokeless flues (anthricite).
WT: You are absolutely hilarious. Thanks for good laughs!
NINATH: Actually, at the begining of my pregnancy, all my hair was falling out. Now that I've been on the prenatal vitamins for 10 months I'm getting the awesome strong nails and glossy hair. But I went through 4 rough-looking months to get here now!!! Or use Redken products--they work for me!
Pamlea: I'm just hoping to get all my hair back at some time. Maybe some more (on my head--it's all over the place now!!!).
Dear anyone who can be bothered reading. I used to work at a biscuit making company, and we couldn't do public tours because of the occupational health and safety requirements. Bascially, if we wanted to do public tours, we would have had to build a whole new, enclosed perimeter on the outside of the factory so people could peer in from behind perspex. Sooo perhaps it's the same in Ireland.
I do love the hair! I can't believe your stay in Ireland is so close to an end. I would rather you stay there and Greg and I will come join you! That way the kiddies would still get to grow up together!
lol...don't become a whisky-weeny!
I'm not a fan of whiskey although I do seem to remember sometimes drinking drambuie ( I think that's a scotch whiskey) but that was way back in my early 20's before I had the kids and then I went off alcohol for quite a while!!
Its actually "Admittance, Review, and Dismissal" see I did use my degree today mom :) Can't wait to have refrigerator privileges again!
LMM: good to know. I think they were worried about ruining the "magic" like at Disney World how the characters can't talk
Stiggs: Wish you and Greg had had a chance to come out before we head back!
Culinary Cowgirl: I am not a whisky weenie!!! I just like the good stuff!
ChrisB: Yeah, those kids put a cramp in the drinking
Jillian: YAY!!!!! You commented me!!! Yippee! Thanks for the correction--I knew you would know the correct terminology!!! Miss you and can't wait to be home!!!!
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