Irish Distillers has launched a whiskey discovery experience at its whiskey academy in Co Cork, to help experts and enthusiasts to learn more about the production and history of "the water of life".

Over two days visitors to the academy will learn how whiskey is crafted from start to finish, grain to glass.

They will learn how to blend whiskey, and have a go at distilling their own whiskey, as well as sampling some of Ireland’s most famous whiskey brands including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Redbreast and Midleton.

Irish Distillers production director Peter Morehead said the academy was opened in response to the global success of Irish whiskey.

“Irish whiskey is now the fastest growing spirits category globally. It achieved double-digit growth last year. We want to educate people about the craft of Irish whiskey, the history and the heritage.”

He said the residential course was “interactive” with “no powerpoints on purpose”.

“They can also learn about single pot still whiskey which is unique to the Midleton distillery. It is not made anywhere else in the world,” said Mr Morehead.

On top of the whiskey discovery experience, he said the academy also hosted whiskey tutorials and appreciation classes.

Keyna Quigley, who did the two-day residential course with her husband Noel after winning The Irish Times Christmas Business Quiz , said it was a mixture of classroom learning, tasting and distilling. "We didn't know anything very much about whiskey and we weren't whiskey drinkers but the course was fantastic."

Last month Irish Distillers also launched the Cork Whiskey Way, a dedicated self-guided whiskey trail through Cork city available as a free iPhone app or on a printed map from various pubs, tourist centres and the Old Jameson Distillery in Midleton.

The trail brings users on a tour of Cork city, and features 10 pubs whose bartenders have a passion for Irish whiskey.