Crockpots for whiskey. This one-hour Roe and Co Distillery experience is built around a real, working distillery in Dublin 8, plus a hands-on cocktail workshop that teaches you how to taste and mix like a pro. What I like most is that you get both a guided look at how Roe and Co is made and a workshop where you build a drink based on your own preferences. The other big win is the setting: the distillery lives in the old Guinness Power Station, so the whole thing feels like Dublin, not a theme park.

One thing to consider: it is adult-focused. It is not suitable for pregnant women and it is not for kids under 18, and you will need to show valid ID or proof of age when you arrive.

Key things to know before you go

• Old Guinness Power Station setting: The distillery is in the former power house in Dublin 8, which gives the tour a unique vibe.
• Two workshop styles: Choose Flavours (Five Pillars) or Beyond The Blend (taste whiskeys, then blend your own).
• You taste and build, not just watch: Your session is interactive, including making a whiskey cocktail you can actually drink.
• Guides bring the energy: People rave about guides such as Luke, Isaac, Andrew, Erin, and Andy for being funny and on-point.
• Power House Bar finish: After the workshop, you can relax with a signature serving included in the experience.

A working distillery in the old Guinness Powerhouse

Roe and Co Distillery is in the Liberties district of Dublin 8, in the building that used to power the Guinness site. That location matters more than you might think. It makes the tour feel grounded in Dublin industry, not just a stop for photos.

The tour itself is guided, and it is designed to get you thinking about what makes Irish whiskey taste the way it does. You are walking through a fully-operational urban distillery, so the story is tied to real production, not just displays. You then move straight into the workshop part, where the tasting becomes practical.

If you like learning by doing, this format works. You get explanations, then you get tools, then you get to mix. Several guides are praised for keeping groups engaged with humor and clear instruction, and that makes the hour feel like a fun class rather than a lecture.

Where to meet and how to get there fast

Your meeting point is straightforward: Roe and Co Distillery, in the old Guinness Powerhouse.

If you are walking, a common route starts from Trinity College. Walk along Dame Street toward Christ Church Cathedral, pass it, then continue to Thomas Street. After about 500 meters, you will see the distillery on your right.

If you are taking the bus, use the 13, 40, or 123 from O’Connell Street or Dame Street. The ride is about 10 to 15 minutes. Get off at the Thomas Street or Watling Street bus stop. The distillery is across the road from there.

If you prefer the Luas, the nearest stop is James’s on the Red Line. From there, you can connect by short walking, depending on where you start.

Why this matters: the workshop is only one hour, so you want to arrive calm and ready, not late and stressed.

The one-hour flow: tour, taste, then you mix

This experience runs about one hour total. Starting times vary, so check the schedule for the time that fits your day in Dublin.

Here is the typical pace:

1. You meet at Roe and Co Distillery in the old power house.
2. You join a guided tour of the distillery and the whiskey-making process.
3. You choose between the two workshop options.
4. You make a whiskey cocktail.
5. You end with a signature whiskey serving in the Power House Bar.

The workshop is the part that most people remember, but the tour sets you up. It helps you connect flavors back to what you are tasting, instead of treating it like an abstract whiskey tasting menu.

You should also expect a fairly hands-on setup. One review specifically mentioned that each student had bar tools ready at their station, including items like an apron, jigger, shaker, strainer, bar spoon, and ice. That kind of prep is what makes the class feel smooth.

Flavours workshop: build your cocktail from sweet to umami

If you pick Flavours, the session is aimed at cocktail lovers who want to sharpen their mixing instincts. The big teaching tool is the Five Pillars of Flavour:

• sweet
• sour
• bitter
• salty
• umami

You are not just tasting randomly. You are learning how those taste categories shape the way whiskey cocktails feel in your mouth, then you apply that thinking to your own drink. You choose your whiskey cocktail based on your palate and on the flavor pillar you want to emphasize.

This is a smart choice if:

• you enjoy cocktails and want a repeatable approach you can use again
• you are curious about how flavor science turns into real mixing
• you want something approachable even if you are new to whiskey

One small drawback: if you already feel very confident about taste profiling, the pillar framework may feel like a recap. Still, it tends to make mixing more fun, because it gives you a clear reason for every choice you make.

Beyond The Blend: taste three whiskeys, then make your own

If you choose Beyond The Blend, you get a guided exploration focused on the full spectrum of flavors that define Irish whiskey. The workshop centers on tasting and blending.

You taste three premium whiskeys, and you also get a specially paired tasting with artisan confectionery. That pairing detail is useful. It nudges you to think about how sweetness and flavor textures work alongside whiskey, rather than treating whiskey flavor as isolated.

Then you create your own whiskey blend. After that, your blend becomes part of a cocktail you make during the workshop.

This option is best if:

• you want more whiskey-forward education
• you like structured tastings and hands-on blending
• you enjoy the idea of building something from a range, not just choosing a single cocktail recipe

One practical note: both workshop types end with a drink service at the bar, so you are not leaving dry. But if you truly prefer lighter or more cocktail-style drinks, you may find Flavours aligns better with your tastes. If you love the whiskey notes themselves, Beyond The Blend will feel more rewarding.

Power House Bar finish: the last sip matters

After your workshop, you relax with a signature serving in the Power House Bar. This is included, so it is a nice add-on that stretches your experience beyond the classroom.

The bar finish also gives you an informal moment to slow down. You are no longer learning the steps, you are just enjoying the result, and you can talk with your guide and the group about what you liked and why.

If you are aiming for a Dublin night that combines learning with a real drink at the end, this is the payoff part that makes the hour feel like a complete experience. Several guides are praised for keeping the mood light, which helps you enjoy that final service too.

Price and value: is $28 a fair deal

At $28 per person, this is priced like a short activity, and that is the key to judging the value. You are not paying for a long half-day tour. You are paying for an hour that combines:

• a guided distillery look at a real urban operation
• one of two hands-on workshops
• making your own whiskey cocktail
• and a signature whiskey serving at the end

That bundle is why people call it strong value. It is not just tasting. You leave having mixed something yourself. You also get the flavor framework (Five Pillars) or the whiskey-blending tastings (three whiskeys plus pairing), depending on which option you choose.

There is also practical value in the ID check and the adult-only setting. It keeps the room more focused, so the time feels like it is meant for people who are actually there to learn and drink responsibly.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This experience is a great match if you:

• like hands-on classes more than museums
• enjoy whiskey but also want cocktail skills you can use later
• want a Dublin 8 activity that feels modern, local, and fun
• appreciate guides who mix facts with humor, not dry presentations

It may not fit if:

• you are traveling with kids under 18 or you are pregnant (it is not suitable)
• you are only interested in a quick photo stop and you will not want to participate in tasting and mixing

If you are on the fence about whiskey, that is actually where these workshops shine. You can find a drink direction that matches your taste, then learn the flavor logic behind it. One review even described it as a highlight even for someone who usually does not like whiskey, because the cocktails ended up tasting great.

Quick practical tips before you go

A few details can make the hour smoother:

• Bring valid ID or proof of age card. You must show it on arrival.
• The activity is about one hour, so plan to be there early rather than exactly on time.
• You must choose between Flavours and Beyond The Blend. Pick based on what you want to learn: flavor pillars for cocktails, or whiskey spectrum for blending.
• Since it is held at a distillery site, it is best to dress comfortably. Expect to be at a station and handling tools.
• The workshop is in English.
• Wheelchair accessibility is available.

If you are checking availability, look for start times that fit your day. Dublin can get busy fast, and this is short enough that you do not want to gamble on timing.

Should you book Roe and Co’s cocktail workshop?

Yes, if you want a Dublin experience that mixes real distillery education with a hands-on cocktail you helped create. The best reason to book is simple: you do not just taste and leave. You learn a flavor system or you build a blend, then you enjoy the finish in the Power House Bar.

If your travel style is more about slow sightseeing and less about mixing and tasting, you might prefer a longer tour elsewhere. But if you want one hour that feels interactive, practical, and fun, this is a strong pick.

Book it if you like:

• tasting and building a drink
• a working distillery setting in Dublin 8
• a lively guide experience, including guides like Luke, Isaac, Andrew, Erin, and Andy who are repeatedly praised for energy and clarity

FAQ

How long does the Roe and Co Distillery cocktail workshop last?

It lasts about 1 hour. Starting times depend on availability.

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at Roe and Co Distillery, located in the old Guinness Powerhouse.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a guided tour, your choice of workshop (Flavours or Beyond The Blend), and a Roe and Co cocktail.

Do I have to choose between Flavours and Beyond The Blend?

Yes. You choose between the Flavours workshop (Five Pillars of Flavour) or Beyond The Blend (tasting whiskeys and blending your own).

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off is not included.

Do I need to bring ID?

Yes. You must present a valid ID or proof of age card.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Is it suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18 years.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.