Roe & Co Distillery Experiences

Whiskey, cocktails, and a former Guinness Power Station. That mix is what makes this Roe & Co experience feel like a mini night out with a lesson built in, inside the iconic Liberties district distillery. You’ll also get a genuinely hands-on workshop, not just a walk-and-smell kind of tour.

I love the small-group format (max 4), because you actually talk with your instructor and ask questions without feeling rushed. I also like how the program centers on mixing and blending, so you learn a skill you can use again, including how to build a proper Whiskey Old Fashioned.

One possible drawback: it’s strictly over 18 only, so it’s not an option if you’re traveling with younger folks. And if you’re expecting a long, sit-down straight whiskey tasting, the cocktail-forward focus may be more hands-on than you planned.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small-group workshop, max 4 so the instructor can slow down for your questions
• Two hands-on options: Room 106 blending or the five pillars of flavor tasting framework
• Cocktail-building focus with a Whiskey Old Fashioned approach you can recreate later
• Power House Bar signature serve after your workshop, in a show-stopping space
• Former Guinness Power Station setting that makes the whole experience feel different from a standard distillery tour

Entering Roe & Co in Dublin 8, Liberties District

Getting to Roe & Co is refreshingly straightforward, and that matters on a city day. This is in Dublin’s Liberties district (Dublin 8), and the attraction is tied to a very specific landmark, the former Guinness Power Station building.

The location also helps if you’re doing other distillery-style stops nearby. In practice, this one fits well into an afternoon when you want something more active than just visiting another bar on the way to dinner.

And the building itself is part of the appeal. You’re not just touring a warehouse. You’re stepping into a space with personality, where the history of industrial Dublin meets the modern art of whiskey and cocktail-making.

The former Guinness Power Station is the real set design

The experience takes place inside the former Guinness Power Station, and it changes how the whole tour feels. Instead of a quiet room, you get an interactive, sensory setup designed for tasting and mixing.

That matters because a big chunk of the fun is learning with your senses. You’ll pay attention to aroma, taste, and texture, not just read about it. The setting makes that easier because it pushes you into the mindset of experimenting.

One tip for getting the most out of the space: go in ready to use your senses. Smell first, taste second, and let the instructor guide you on what to notice, especially during the flavor and blending moments.

Room 106 blending or the five pillars of flavor

Your biggest decision is which workshop format you choose.

Option one is the Blending experience in Room 106. This option leans into the secrets behind their unique blend, and then you move from learning to doing. You get instructions for building the perfect Whiskey Old Fashioned, which turns the session into something practical, not just educational.

Option two is the Flavors experience, built around the five pillars of flavor. This is more about identifying your taste profile. Instead of jumping straight into a blend, you work through a framework to understand what you like and why, which is great if you’re the type who wants a system you can apply to future drinks.

Both options end the same way, with a signature serve in the Power House Bar. So even if you choose the flavor profiling route, you still get the payoff of tasting a finished drink in the bar space.

How the Whiskey Old Fashioned workshop actually works

If you pick the blending route, you’ll create a Whiskey Old Fashioned-style drink using their guidance. What I like about this approach is that it teaches a method, not just a recipe. You’re guided through the right steps, so you can remember how to build the drink later.

A detail that makes it feel more “real mixology” than a casual tasting is the way the drink is presented. You may be given a glass with a large square ice cube, and you’ll get clear instructions on how to assemble the drink properly.

Also, the tasting isn’t only about the whiskey liquid. There’s attention to how clarified ingredients and flavor balancing work in a finished cocktail. One signature highlight that comes up is a cocktail featuring clarified grapefruit juice, described as genuinely incredible, which tells you they’re paying attention to brightness and balance, not only sweetness.

Practical mindset: focus on what you’re tasting at each stage. If you rush to the first sip, you miss what changes as the drink comes together. Take small moments, smell, then taste, then adjust based on what the instructor is prompting.

Power House Bar: your signature serve and what to expect

After your workshop, you head to the Power House Bar for a signature serve. This is your reward moment, and it’s also where the earlier learning clicks.

The bar space is described as show-stopping, and that lines up with why the experience feels complete. You don’t just make something and walk away. You get to enjoy a drink in the right atmosphere, and you can compare what you built (or profiled) with what they serve.

In a small group, this part feels more personal too. You’re not stuck in a line waiting for your drink while the tour machine runs on. You can slow down and actually enjoy the serve, because the group size keeps the energy manageable.

Instructor energy, and the names you might hear

One of the clearest themes here is interaction. The experience is built around an instructor who talks with you, not at you. Since the group is capped at four, the guide has room to personalize the pace.

You might get an instructor like Andrew, who stands out for being engaging and good at keeping things moving while still being informative. Other names that show up include Tim and Isaac, both tied to making the session fun and memorable.

Here’s how to make the most of that interaction. Ask one “why” question early, like why a specific profile fits your preferences. Then later, ask how that maps to the cocktail you made. The goal is to leave with a mental model, not only a drink in your hand.

Small-group format, timing, and why it feels like value

The tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, and that length is part of the value. Long enough to learn and make something, but not so long that you lose the energy of a workshop.

The cost listed is $33.86 per person, and for that price you’re not only tasting whiskey. You’re doing a guided tasting and a hands-on cocktail or flavor profiling workshop, then finishing with a signature serve at the bar.

Think of it as a skills class plus a drink at the end. If you’ve ever taken a distillery tour that mostly reads like a slideshow, you’ll appreciate the difference here. You leave with practical knowledge, including how to approach a Whiskey Old Fashioned style build.

One practical consideration: because the experience is limited to small groups, it can sell out. The average booking pattern shows people grabbing spots well in advance, so if you have a specific day in mind, book sooner rather than later.

What this is best for (and who should skip it)

This is ideal if you like craft cocktails and want whiskey education that actually shows up in what you can order later. It’s also perfect if you learn better by doing. Smelling, tasting, building, adjusting, and comparing is a far better teacher than a purely passive sample flight.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you want an experience that feels unique compared to more standard distillery tours. The former Guinness Power Station setting helps, but the real difference is the mixologist-style workshop, with the Old Fashioned build and the flavor system option.

Should you skip it? If your main goal is a deep, long straight whiskey tasting with minimal cocktail focus, the blending and cocktail angle might not match your expectations. Also, because it’s strictly over 18, you’ll need an adult-only plan.

My take on the overall experience: fun, not stuffy

This tour works because it stays light while still being structured. You get history and context, but you don’t get trapped in “lecture mode.” The workshop keeps you engaged, and the small group format helps everything feel human.

The best moments are when you realize the tasting is not random. It’s guided. You learn how to notice aromas, how different profiles feel on the palate, and how that translates into the cocktail you’re making or the drink you’re tasting in the Power House Bar.

If you want a Dublin activity that feels modern, creative, and still rooted in whiskey culture, this is one of the strongest options in the city. It’s the kind of experience you can recommend because it’s easy to explain, and the payoff is immediate.

Should you book Roe & Co Distillery Experiences?

Book it if you want hands-on learning in a cool setting, plus a drink you’ll genuinely enjoy afterward. With the max 4 group size, the workshop format, and the Whiskey Old Fashioned focus, it’s a strong fit for couples and small groups who want more than a standard tasting.

Pass, or at least consider another option, if you’re mainly chasing a long straight whiskey tasting session. Also, since it’s over 18 only, make sure everyone in your party can attend.

If you’re flexible on day and you want the option you prefer, choose the workshop style based on your taste approach: blending for practical cocktail building, or five pillars of flavor if you like frameworks.

FAQ

How long is the Roe & Co Distillery experience?

It runs for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Where is Roe & Co located?

It’s in Dublin in the Liberties district (Dublin 8), inside the former Guinness Power Station.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $33.86 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How many people are in each group?

The workshop has a maximum of 4 travelers.

Is it only for adults?

Yes. It is strictly for people over 18, and you’ll need valid age ID.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the ticket is a mobile ticket.

Is it near public transportation?

Yes, it is near public transportation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.