Jameson Irish Whiskey Producer Midleton Distillery Forced to Shut Visitor Center After Storm Babet Causes ‘Unprecedented and Devastating Flooding’

Storm Babet’s destruction has led to the closure of The Midleton Distillery Experience. (Photo:  Press Association via AP Images)

The Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland, which produces popular whiskey brands like Jameson and Redbreast, had to shutter its newly renovated Midleton Distillery Experience due to severe floods from the highly destructive Storm Babet, The Spirits Business reported Monday.

According to The Spirits Business, a month’s worth of rain fell within a 24-hour period on Oct. 18, causing the Owenacurra River to overflow, leading to the facility’s closure.

The Irish Distillers own the Midleton Distillery Experience and just finished a large-scale, facility-wide renovation. On Oct. 2, Hospitality Ireland announced the Midleton Distillery Experience reopening to the public.

This was after the visitor center was granted a $14.8 million investment to revamp the facilities, according to The Spirits Business. The renovation was expected to be finished by 2025 and included a revamped visitor center with whiskey tours and tastings.  Several shopping facilities, a bar, a café and a restaurant were also included in the renovation.

Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO at  Irish Distillers claimed to The Spirits Business reported that the undertaking aimed to deliver a “world-class experiential offering,” meant to bring whiskey enthusiasts “closer to the production process than ever before.”

Storm Babet has led to 108 flood warnings, according to BBC. Approximately 1,250 homes in England have been impacted by the heavy rains, and the storm has taken the lives of five people thus far.

“Our thoughts are with the people, communities and businesses in the Midleton and wider East Cork region who have been affected by the unprecedented and devastating flooding,” a spokesperson from Irish Distillers said in a statement, according to The Spirits Business. “We can confirm that the Midleton Distillery Experience is closed. The site was damaged due to flooding yesterday [October 18] and we are currently working to understand the extent of the damage.

“Our teams in Dublin and Midleton are working hard to ensure the continued safety of colleagues and the protection of our sites. We will remain in close contact with all relevant local bodies.”

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