Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 06:43 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover all there is to know about Tullamore D.E.W. in this comprehensive review that addresses all your inquiries!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Tullamore D.E.W.: A Review for Cocktail Enthusiasts
Rating: ⭐⭐
Tullamore D.E.W. is an Irish whiskey with a distinct personality, making it a good choice for those who enjoy exploring different flavor profiles.
Strengths:
- Intriguing Nose: The nose suggests a complex whiskey, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a bit of mystery in their dram.
- Cocktail-Friendly: The peppery notes and slightly bitter finish make Tullamore D.E.W. well-suited for mixing in cocktails. It can add a unique twist to classic recipes.
Weaknesses:
- Peppery Palate: The peppery spice on the taste buds might be too much for some who prefer a smoother Irish whiskey experience.
- Bitter Finish: The slightly bitter aftertaste might not be ideal for sipping neat, but it can work well when balanced with other flavors in cocktails.
Overall:
Tullamore D.E.W. might not be your go-to sipping whiskey, but its unique profile shines in mixed drinks. If you’re looking for an Irish whiskey to add complexity and a touch of spice to your cocktails, Tullamore D.E.W. is worth exploring, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Cheap Irish Whiskey Best Choices
- Learn more: Tullamore DEW Website
What’s special about Tullamore D.E.W.?
Tullamore D.E.W. holds a prestigious position as one of Ireland’s oldest whiskey brands, boasting a heritage that dates back to 1829.
As of 2020, it has become the second-largest-selling Irish whiskey globally, surpassing sales of 1,500,000 cases per year, only trailing behind Jameson.
This affordably priced Irish whiskey is a skillful blend of single malt, grain, and pot still whiskey, and it undergoes the traditional triple distillation process commonly found in the Irish whiskey industry.
Tullamore D.E.W. is aged in three distinct cask types: refill barrels, ex-bourbon casks, and ex-sherry casks, and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
What does D.E.W. mean?
The initials “D.E.W.” honor the legacy of Daniel E. Williams, a dedicated individual who began his journey at Tullamore in the late 1880s, starting as a humble barley shoveler and eventually rising to the esteemed positions of Distillery Manager and owner.
In a testament to his commitment to excellence, Daniel E. Williams decided to imprint his initials on the bottles as a symbol of exceptional quality.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Caramel, ripe fruit, citrus
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, pepper
- Finish: Short, caramel, bitter note
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Bushmills Original
The nose of Tullamore D.E.W. is pleasingly sweet and smooth, featuring subtle notes of caramel, ripe fruit, and a hint of ethanol.
Upon tasting, the whiskey reveals a somewhat thin mouthfeel, lacking in body.
The flavor profile is dominated by upfront vanilla and caramel notes, followed by a gradually intensifying peppery sensation with each sip.
The finish, though brief, imparts a gentle warmth as it goes down, accompanied by a faint bitterness and a touch of lingering caramel.
How does Tullamore DEW rank?
These are my Irish Whiskey rankings:
| Whiskey | Rank |
| Redbreast 12 | 82 |
| Green Spot | 82 |
| Jameson | 63 |
| Bushmills | 60 |
| Tullamore DEW | 59 |
The Tullamore D.E.W. falls short compared to the best Irish Whiskeys and even lags behind other options in its price range like Jameson and Bushmills.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address inquiries:
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, Tullamore D.E.W. receives a perfect score of 5, signifying that it is completely free of smoke and peat.
How to drink it?
- DUE TO ITS SPICINESS AND BITTERNESS, Tullamore DEW may not be the best-sipping whiskey.
- However, it works well in cocktails and mixed drinks, making them more enjoyable.
Alternatives
- Consider Paddy, a traditional and affordable Irish Whiskey with a sweet and smooth profile.
- Bushmills Red Bush is another option, aged in first-fill bourbon casks, providing vanilla and caramel notes for a pleasant sip.
Price
- Prices vary by country: US ($20), Canada ($38), UK (£25), Australia ($57), and Ireland (€34).
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), the standard for most Irish whiskey.
Aging
- The Tullamore DEW is a no-age-statement release but aged for the minimum required three years by law.
Is it a Single Malt?
- Tullamore DEW is a blend of single malt, grain, and pot still whiskey.
- Single pot still whiskey is made at a distillery from a mixed mash of malted and unmalted barley.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire. Proper storage in a cool, dark place ensures longevity.
How to store it?
- Store it in a cool place away from sunlight, with the bottle upright to prevent the stopper from coming into contact with the liquid.
Where is it made?
- Distilled in Midleton Distillery in County Cork, Ireland.
Who owns Tullamore DEW?
- Tullamore DEW is owned by William Grant & Sons, a Scottish company known for brands like Glenfiddich and Balvenie.
How did I review Tullamore DEW?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Tullamore DEW: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Blend |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | It gets the job done |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Not the best |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |