Nestled in the heart of Cork City, the Rebel City Distillery Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the art of craft distillation. As the first distillery to open in this vibrant Irish city in over half a century, the tour invites visitors to discover the rich history and sustainable practices that shape the award-winning spirits. From the aromatic notes of the Maharani Gin to the intriguing complexity of the Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe, each sip tells a story that’s sure to intrigue the senses and leave one eager to uncover more.
Key Points
- Rebel City Distillery is the first distillery to open in Cork City in over 50 years, offering a one-hour guided tour in English for $27.23 per person.
- The tour includes sampling of the award-winning Maharani Gin and unique Irish Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe, along with a welcome Maharani Gin & Tonic.
- The distillery’s intimate atmosphere, knowledgeable guides, and access to the working production facilities provide a personalized and heartfelt experience for visitors.
- The distillery’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and reviving the historical distilling traditions of Cork is highlighted during the tour.
- Visitors can explore the distillery’s products, which have received international recognition and awards, and purchase bottles, glassware, and apparel from the on-site gift shop.
Tour Overview
Exploring Cork City’s first distillery in 50 years, the Rebel City Distillery Tour offers visitors a captivating experience of the alchemy and artistry behind distillation.
Priced from $27.23 per person, this hour-long English-language tour provides a glimpse into the making of the distillery’s award-winning spirits, including the opportunity to sample the Maharani Gin and Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe.
Wheelchair accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour invites guests to discover the distillery’s inner workings through a live guide.
Visitors can also take advantage of the on-site gift shop, where they can purchase a range of Rebel City’s products, from gin and absinthe to exclusive glassware and apparel.
Experience Highlights
Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour
Visitors can discover the alchemy and artistry of distillation at Cork City’s first distillery in over 50 years, sampling the distillery’s award-winning spirits like the Maharani Gin and Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe.
Guests can enjoy a warm welcome with a Maharani Gin & Tonic before delving into tastings of the distillery’s unique offerings. The tour provides an insider’s look at the distilling process, guided by knowledgeable experts.
Key highlights of the experience include:
- Sampling the multi-award-winning Maharani Gin and Ireland’s only homegrown absinthe, the Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe.
- Exploring the working distillery and learning about the artistry behind crafting these premium spirits.
- Accessing the on-site gift shop to browse and purchase the distillery’s merchandise, from bottles to glassware and apparel.
Location and Access
The meeting point for the Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour is Rebel City Distillery, located in Unit P5 of the Marina Commercial Park on Centre Park Road in Cork City, Ireland.
To get there on Saturdays, visitors should use the third entrance to the park, as the first two are closed on weekends.
The distillery is conveniently situated and easily accessible, making it a great destination for those looking to explore Cork’s burgeoning spirits scene.
With clear directions and a welcoming atmosphere, the Rebel City Distillery sets the stage for an immersive and enjoyable tour experience.
What’s Included
The Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour package includes an entry ticket to the guided distillery tour, where visitors can enjoy the alchemy and artistry of distillation.
Attendees will also receive a welcome drink, a Maharani Gin & Tonic, along with neat samples of the distillery’s award-winning Maharani Gin and the only absinthe produced in Ireland, the Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe.
Those preferring non-alcoholic options will be accommodated as well.
On top of that, the tour provides access to the on-site gift shop, where visitors can browse and purchase a variety of Rebel City Distillery merchandise, including:
- Bottles of Maharani Gin and Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe
- Glassware
- T-shirts
- Tote bags
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Numerous reviews rave about the Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 12 accounts.
Visitors praise the tour for its excellent value and personalized experience. Many highlight the intimate atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides, particularly Bhagya, the co-founder, who leads the tours.
One reviewer describes the experience as ‘absolutely amazing’ and ‘a personal and heartfelt’ one. The customer feedback suggests that the distillery tour offers a unique and memorable opportunity to discover the alchemy and artistry behind the distillation of high-quality spirits, including Cork’s award-winning products.
The tour seems to provide a well-rounded experience that includes sampling gin, absinthe, and non-alcoholic options.
Distillery History
Rebel City Distillery, Cork’s first distillery in over 50 years, was founded in 2019 by a passionate team of entrepreneurs dedicated to reviving the city’s rich distilling heritage. The distillery’s story is one of ambitious vision, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for Cork’s rebellious spirit.
The distillery’s founders come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for artisanal spirits. Their journey has been marked by extensive research into Cork’s historical distilling traditions, meticulous experimentation to create unique, award-winning products, and a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
Today, Rebel City Distillery stands as a testament to the power of determination and the enduring allure of small-batch, locally-produced spirits.
Distillation Process
At the heart of Rebel City Distillery’s operation lies a meticulous distillation process, where skilled artisans meticulously craft their award-winning spirits. Using traditional copper pot stills, the distillers carefully control temperature, pressure, and timing to extract the purest, most flavorful essence of each botanical. The result is a range of complex, sophisticated liquors that capture the essence of Cork’s rich history and vibrant culture.
| Distillation Stage | Key Objective | Artisanal Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Mashing | Extract maximum flavor from raw ingredients | Blend precise ratios of grains, fruits, and spices |
| Fermentation | Develop complex aromas and esters | Monitor yeast activity and temperature to ensure ideal conditions |
| Distillation | Separate pure spirit from impurities | Carefully control still temperature and distillation time |
| Maturation | Marry flavors and develop unique character | Age spirits in carefully selected casks for optimal duration |
Award-Winning Products
Though hailing from a relatively new distillery, Rebel City Distillery‘s products have already earned a reputation for their exceptional quality, earning numerous accolades from renowned spirits competitions around the world.
Their award-winning Maharani Gin, for instance, has snagged gold medals at prestigious events like the Gin Masters and World Gin Awards.
The distillery’s Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe, the only absinthe produced in Ireland, has also garnered significant praise, including a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Visitors to the distillery tour can sample these celebrated spirits, savoring their intricate flavors and appreciating the skill and craftsmanship that go into their creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual dress code. Visitors are welcome to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tour involves walking around the distillery. No formal attire is required, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Can I Purchase Any Distillery Items Online?
Yes, you can purchase Rebel City Distillery’s award-winning products, including Maharani Gin and Absinthe, as well as gift sets and glassware, directly from their online shop. This allows you to enjoy their spirits even if you can’t visit the distillery in person.
Are Photos Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photos are generally allowed during distillery tours. Visitors are typically encouraged to capture the experience and share their photos, as long as they follow any safety guidelines or restrictions outlined by the distillery staff.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Typically, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted during guided tours. Most tour experiences provide any necessary refreshments as part of the overall package. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their policy on outside items.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Visitors can book the tour as individuals or in groups of any size, allowing for a personalized experience at the distillery. The tour accommodates both small and larger parties.
Recap
The Rebel City Distillery Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Cork’s craft distillation heritage.
Visitors can savor the award-winning Maharani Gin and Ireland’s unique Rebel City Distillery Series Absinthe while learning about the distillery’s traditional methods and sustainability efforts.
This intimate tour provides a warm welcome and a memorable experience that celebrates Cork’s vibrant spirit.
