Reviewed · DUBLIN WHISKEY TOURS
Dublin Guided Irish Coffee Masterclass with Whiskey Tasting
This is Irish coffee with a real whiskey twist. I love that you get hands-on instruction from host Derek and you also taste POWERS whiskey while learning why Irish coffee tastes the way it does. The main thing to consider is the format is short, about 1 hour, so it is not a long night out.
You meet in Temple Bar at the iconic Palace Bar, then you head upstairs to the private Whiskey Palace setting. It is a focused experience in a top Dublin drinking room, and the mood stays relaxed, with past highlights calling out hosts like Patrick for fun stories and an easygoing atmosphere.
The Palace Bar Setting Makes It Feel Special

If you have ever watched Irish coffee get made and thought, I want to know the order of operations, this is the kind of class that pays off. You are not just tasting Irish coffee, you are learning the steps to build it properly, while your host connects the drink to Irish whiskey history.
The venue matters here. The masterclass happens in the Palace Bar, on Fleet Street in Temple Bar, in a private upstairs space called the Whiskey Palace. That gives you a quieter, more “inside the bar” feeling than a typical loud, street-facing meet-up.
You also get a clear, simple meeting point: the Palace Bar at 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. You do not have to hunt through side streets with a vague pin on a map.
What You Learn: Irish Coffee Steps Plus the Why Behind Them

The core of the experience is learning how to make Irish coffee correctly, from the start to the finished mug. Your host walks you through each step as you go, so you are not just listening. You are doing the work in the order that creates the flavor and the texture you want.
You also get the story behind the drink. Irish coffee is famous for being a comfort drink, but it is also a specific recipe with a specific history. In this class, you learn which whiskey was originally used when the drink was invented, and your tasting ties directly into that point.
On top of the Irish coffee instruction, there is a POWERS-focused element. Your host includes history around POWERS, including POWERS 232 Year history, while you taste along the way. That history is not presented like homework. It is part of why you are tasting, so you can connect what you notice in the glass to what you are learning at the bar.
You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in Dublin
POWERS Tasting: Two 20ml Samples That Teach Your Palate

This is one of the most practical parts of the experience. You sample two 20ml POWERS whiskeys during the class, and the pacing helps you taste with intention instead of just “getting through” drinks.
The samples are:
- POWERS Gold Label (blended)
- POWERS Pot Still Three Swallows style
You are also told that the whiskey used here is the one originally associated with the invention of Irish coffee. That detail gives your tasting a purpose. You can taste and then immediately connect it to what you are building in your mug.
If you have never had POWERS before, this is a friendly way to start because you are given a small, controlled amount. If you already like Irish whiskey, the payoff is that you get to compare styles in a setting built for tasting, right before you use whiskey in your own Irish coffee.
The Workshop Flow: From Tasting to Your Own Mug

At a high level, the experience follows a simple rhythm: taste, learn, make, finish. But the value is in the structure.
First, your host guides you through what goes into Irish coffee and how the recipe comes together. Then you sample the two POWERS pours, with explanations as you go. Finally, you create your own mug of Irish coffee, using the provided ingredients, including whiskey.
The fact that all ingredients are supplied is a big deal. You do not need to figure out what you forgot. You do not need to bring bottles, sweeteners, or anything complicated. You show up, you follow the steps, and you leave with the confidence to make a version at home.
The class runs about one hour, so the pace is tight. That means there is less time for wandering and more time for skill building.
Value and Price: Why $48.72 Feels Fair Here
At $48.72 per person for about an hour, you are paying for two things at once: instruction and tasting, in a premium Dublin venue.
Most Irish whiskey tastings can be priced like a drink event. Most Irish coffee experiences can be priced like a food and beverage show. Here you get both, and the format is small-group, up to 15 travelers. That matters, because a smaller group usually means the host can keep the class moving without leaving people behind.
You also get alcohol included, plus two 20ml POWERS samples. And you get the ingredients for your Irish coffee lesson. When you add those together, the price stops looking like a generic “tour price” and starts looking like you are paying for the experience design: guided steps, curated tasting, and a mug you actually made yourself.
If your goal is just to drink something warm in a cozy bar, there are cheaper options. If your goal is to learn a recipe you will reuse, this is easier to justify.
Small Group Size Helps the Host Keep It Personal
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the class stays interactive. You should expect a format where you can ask questions and get real guidance on the steps as you build your drink.
That is especially useful if you are picky about texture and balance. Irish coffee depends on careful assembly, and the host can only help so much in a large group.
The host, Derek, leads the session. And based on what people highlight about past sessions, the teaching style leans friendly and story-based. One of the names that comes up in praise is Patrick, with folks describing him as fun and full of knowledge while keeping the atmosphere relaxed.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Dublin
Location Strategy: Easy Temple Bar Access, Exact Meeting Point

Temple Bar can sound like a maze if you only have vague directions, so I like that this experience gives you a specific anchor point. You start at the Palace Bar, 21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
You do not need to arrange private transportation, since transport is not included. For most people staying in central Dublin, this is a straightforward location to reach by foot or public transportation, and the experience notes that it is near public transport.
When the class ends, you go back to the meeting point. That is convenient if you plan to walk to your next stop afterward.
Who This Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Longer)
This experience is a great fit if you want to:
- Learn the actual steps to make Irish coffee, not just hear the story
- Drink POWERS while tasting two styles in a guided way
- Get your Irish coffee experience in a famous Dublin whiskey bar setting
- Bring home a skill you can repeat at home
It might not fit as well if you want a long, slow evening with lots of stops. The duration is about one hour, so it is compact by design.
It also only works if you are 18 or older, since the experience is for adults only.
Practical Tips So You Get the Most From the Hour

You have a tight schedule, so treat it like a class and show up ready. Wear something comfortable, and come with curiosity about whiskey. Even if you are new to Irish whiskey, you have a guided path.
Also, since this is in a whiskey bar upstairs setting, you may want to take your coat with you and follow the host’s lead on where to stand and how to move during the tasting and assembly.
Finally, think about the goal: you are not just trying Irish coffee once. You are learning the order of steps and how the whiskey tasting connects to the drink’s original story.
What If the Weather Turns?
The experience requires good weather. If it has to be canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
That is important for planning because Temple Bar is an easy area to spend time in, but you do not want to build a rigid day around a one-hour session if the forecast looks shaky.
Should You Book the Irish Coffee Masterclass?
I would book this if you want a small-group, hands-on Dublin activity that combines two things people love here, Irish coffee and Irish whiskey, in a real venue like the Palace Bar.
It is also a smart choice if you want value beyond a quick drink. You get instruction, POWERS tasting with two specific samples, and you leave having made your own mug. With a high rating and a 97% recommendation score, the “good time with real instruction” angle is clearly the point.
If you are the type who learns best by doing, and you like Irish whiskey enough to pay attention to what is in your glass, this is an easy yes.
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