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Paddy vs Tullamore D.E.W.: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between Paddy vs Tullamore D.E.W. in this in-depth comparison and decide which Irish Whiskey is better for You!

Paddy Irish Whiskey

paddy-irish-whiskey
NoseCaramel, cereal, metal
PalateCaramel, cereal, vanilla, oak spice
FinishShort, orange, oak spice
Alcohol content80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drinkRocks, cocktails
Similar toJameson

Paddy, as most Irish Whiskeys, is triple-distilled and product of blending three different type of whiskey: single pot still, single malt and grain.

The nose is sweet and reminds me of Cheerios as it is rich in caramel and cereal. There is also a faint metallic note to it but nothing too severe.

On the palate, Paddy has a decent body as it provides some texture. First sip hits with some heat that mellows out into a classic Irish Whiskey flavor of vanilla, honey and malt with a bit of oak spice coming behind.

The finish is short, with an orange note to it, along oak spice and just a touch of warmth to remind you that you are drinking whiskey.

Paddy drinks better than expected especially when served over a large ice ball providing good value for the money for an unpretentious whiskey that pretty much tastes like whiskey is supposed to taste, and a good substitute to the Jameson Whiskey.

There are a few facts worth knowing about Paddy:

  • Aged in oak casks for up to 7 years.
  • Paddy is named after Paddy Flaherty, the legendary company salesman.
  • Paddy is crafted by Irish Distillers, owned by Paris-based Irish Distillers in Cork on behalf of Louisiana-based Sazerac (Buffalo Trace).
  • Jameson Irish Whiskey is crafted at the same distillery although blending and barrel management provides enough contrasts to make these whiskeys different.

Tullamore D.E.W.

tullamore-dew
NoseCaramel, ripe fruit, citrus
PalateVanilla, caramel, pepper
FinishShort, caramel, bitter note
Alcohol content80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drinkCocktails
Similar toBushmills, Jameson

Tullamore D.E.W. is one of Ireland’s most traditional whiskeys, was established in 1829 and is named after Daniel Edmund Williams who started working for the distillery at the age of 15 as a stable boy to later become the owner.

The nose is sweet and smooth, with hints of caramel, ripe fruit and just a tad of ethanol.

On the palate, the Tullamore feels somewhat thin with not much body to it. Flavor brings vanilla and caramel notes up-front, followed by a peppery note.

The finish is short-lived, bringing some warmth, along a bitter note and a touch of caramel.

Tullamore D.E.W. is not the best sipping whiskey, due to those peppery notes on the palate and the bitter note on the finish, but becomes serviceable when looking for an affordable option to make cocktails or Irish Coffee.

Adding ice tunes down the pepper but does nothing for the bitter note, so definitely this is something to use primarily as a whiskey mixer.

There are a few facts worth knowing about Tullamore D.E.W.:

  • This whiskey has no age statement.
  • Aged in refill barrels, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
  • The D.E.W. is a blend of three different whiskeys: single malt, grain and pot still whiskey.
  • Triple-distilled as most Irish whiskeys.

Paddy vs Tullamore D.E.W.: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

WhiskeyPrice
Paddy Irish Whiskey$16
Tullamore D.E.W.$19

Paddy vs Tullamore D.E.W.: Which is better?

Paddy is an easier drinker

WhiskeyPaddyTullamore D.E.W.
Nose✅✅
Body✅✅
Palate✅
Finish✅
Value✅✅
  • Both whiskies taste like Irish Whiskey is supposed to taste yet the Paddy is a nicer drinker as the Tullamore has some bitter notes that wreck the experience.
  • Paddy is good as long as you keep your expectations low, nothing remarkable but nothing off-putting, with a bit of a bite making a good whiskey to drink over ice providing a nice nightcap.
  • Both are good when looking for an affordable mixer as they work well in any homemade cocktail.