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Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

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By , About.com Guide

Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

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The Bottom Line

Tullamore Dew is a smooth and malty Irish whiskey that has been distilled in the small town of Tullamore in County Offaly since 1829. It is tagged as "The Legendary Irish Whiskey" and while it is not the oldest whiskey of its kind (Bushmills claims that title), Tullamore Dew is rich with history and a favorite for many whiskey drinkers for a good reason: it's a fine Irish whiskey.

Pros

  • Smooth, complex Irish whiskey ideal for straight sipping.
  • Blends well in cocktails, giving just enough whiskey taste without overpowering the drink.
  • Quality at a great price.

Cons

  • The whiskey flavor may be too soft for some tastes.

Description

  • Triple distilled, blended Irish whiskey from barley in pot stills and aged in charred oak
  • Produced by Tullamore Dew Company LTD, Tullamore County Offaly, Ireland
  • US Import by Skyy Spirits
  • 40% alc/volume (80 proof)
  • Retails for around $26/750ml bottle
  • Tullamore produces: Original, 10 Year Old Single Malt, 10 Year Old Special Reserve, and 12 Year Old Special Reserve
  • Tullamore Dew won Best Irish Whiskey in the 2013 About.com Readers' Choice Awards.

Guide Review - Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

The story of Tullamore Dew began in 1829 with Michael Molloy and after his death in 1887 it was left to Captain Bernard Daly. However, it was not Daly who transformed the whiskey into a competitive place in the widening Irish whiskey market, instead it was one Daniel E. Williams. Williams' initials are the source for the "Dew" in the name and this led to one of the best whiskey slogans of all time: "Give every man his Dew." The US Prohibition and trade issues with England in the first part of the 20th Century broke many Irish whiskies and in 1959 Tullamore Dew was sold, the distillery closed, and the operation was consolidated with many other popular brands into one of the two distilleries that produce most of the Irish whiskey we enjoy today.

Tullamore Dew is a supreme whiskey and one of my personal favorites for regular bottlings. You will notice subtle barley, a clean, smooth taste and rich oak tones throughout the experience. This makes it great for sipping straight with a splash of water to open it up and it is ideal for cocktails. For this try it in some of Tullamore Dew's original cocktails like the Merry Irishman and Irish Gold or in the delightful Shamrocked shooter. It is also fantastic with a touch of ginger ale or tonic water and makes a wonderful Irish Coffee.

Tasting Notes:
Tullamore Dew is a mild whiskey that opens with lemon and malt notes with slight charred wood notes. The palate is well-rounded and buttery with sweet spices, warms malts and, again, hints of wood. Its finish is super smooth and the complexity lingers.

More Tullamore Dew Cocktails:

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