Tullamore Dew is a great change of pace from Jamesons or Powers if you like your Irish Whiskey. Tullamore Dew is actually probably the whiskey you want to start with if you are trying to expand your spirits horizon. Tullamore Dew is smooth, lightly sweet, and is a staple to many morning cups of coffee.
Tullamore Dew got its start in Tullamore in County Offaly back in 1829. In 1887, a man by the name of Daniel E Williams (D.E.W.) became the general manager and really got Tullamore Dew off running. This was evident with its new slogan, "Give every man his Dew." This slogan, which appeared on the bottles for many years, was something even I heard of as a little child. I didn’t know that until years later that this came from a bottle of Irish Whiskey. Tullamore Dew is aged from 4-7 years in used bourbon, port and sherry casks. The results are wonderful.
Unlike Powers and Jamesons, which are owned by the French Group, Pernod Ricard, Tullamore Dew is owned by an Irish Group, the C&C Group PLC. It is an Irish based company, which is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of beverages and snacks in Ireland. They also distribute Pepsi, Grolsch, Coors Light and 7 Up and led in wine distribution in the Republic of Ireland. C&C PLC, in turn, is owned by UK’s Allied Domecq (owners of Dunkin’ Donuts as well).
Why do I look into the chain of distribution/power of a company? I like to know if my money is going to supporters of terrorists through the illegal purchasing oil or selling weaponry to a sanctioned nations. Companies operate in countries that support the beforementioned activities rarely get my money.
Tullamore Dew is not created anymore in Tullamore as it is now distilled, matured, and vatted at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland.
THE POUR- Tullamore Dew pours a regular golden color but slightly pale in comparison to other Irish Whiskeys and definitely paler than Scotch whisky. There is a slight orange hue.
THE NOSE- Uncut by water, Tullamore Dew has a strong alcohol nose that covers a sweet, charred wood scent. After a splash of water, a wonderful nose of sweetness, citrus, and wood are uncovered. A stronger malt scent it also present because Tullamore Dew’s malt is dried enclosed.
THE TASTE- This whiskey is easy to consume neat and even easier to consume with an ice cube or splash of water. I prefer to leave the Tullamore Dew as close to neat as possible as the water makes it sweet at first and a tad too sour for my taste. Neat Tullamore Dew is sweet at first but that is quickly covered by a spiciness that all whiskey lovers will enjoy.
THE AFTERTASTE- The sweet and spiciness of the whiskey will mellow to a very smooth whiskey glow. The oak vanilla might even make a showing, but I got this more in the nose than in the taste. This whole process might only take a couple or three seconds. You will be left with a smooth, malty mouthfeel until you decide to imbibe again.
OVERALL- Like I mentioned before, this is a great starter for those that are not used to whiskey. You will want to cut this with ice or water if you are trying to find a whiskey you like. For Scotch whisky and whiskey/bourbon lovers, you will like this chilled and neat.
If you get down to it – this makes a great addition to your coffee. I prefer this whiskey to any other for that little mixture.
Tullamore Dew is a very comparable in price to other whiskeys – but that all depends on where you shop. You can find a 750ml bottle for $18-20.
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