tullamore dew tour review

The Dramble

Tell me lies. tell me sweet little lies.

Bottle Name:  Tullamore Dew 18 year old

The educational benefits of distillery tourism go far beyond solely pandering to die-hard malt fans. Along with practical information, there’s a host of culturally relevant knowledge that grounds the significance of whisky and distilling into both a location’s past, as well as its possible future. It can, and it should be, about a whole lot more than an end of tour tasting table. Visit any larger (or better known) distillery and you’ll immediately see that most of its visitors are simply day-trippers who have added a basic distillery tour into their busy holiday schedules. These guys probably don’t want or need the level of technical information that us enthusiasts yearn for – but, for the preservation of whisky’s integrity, they too deserve an honest and accurate account.

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5 Cool Things About the Tullamore Distillery Tour

Tullamore D.E.W. is the second most popular Irish whiskey in the world. If that isn’t enough to make you want to take a Tullamore Distillery tour, then these cool things about the distillery tour will!

My boyfriend and I took the Tullamore Distillery tour during our whiskey trip through Ireland . I was excited for Tullamore because it’s completely different than the others we’d visited. We’d toured old historic distilleries , small unique distilleries , and big distilleries , but Tullamore is new and huge. Little did I know that the Tullamore Distillery tour would be completely unique — and awesome — for plenty of other reasons.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission from them. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.

How to Take the Tullamore Distillery Tour

First things first: Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Dublin . It’s an easy drive, if you’re willing to drive on the left side of the road! If you don’t want to drive, this tour includes transportation from Dublin . Or the train gets you there, too. As always, I recommend booking a distillery tour in advance. (Here are more recommendations for planning a whiskey trip to Ireland .)

The original Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery opened in 1829 in the town of Tullamore , but closed in the 1950s. The whiskey, however, survived — it was made at the Midleton Distillery outside of Cork . Once Tullamore became more popular, the brand moved production back to the town of Tullamore, opening a new, shiny distillery in 2014 .

1. The Tullamore Distillery Tour starts with Irish Coffee.

At the risk of sounding like an alcoholic, I admit I hate how most distillery tours make visitors wait until the end to taste whiskey. Not at Tullamore D.E.W.

The tour starts with a guide leading guests into a relaxing, living room-like space and immediately demonstrates how to make an Irish Coffee. Then she makes one for each guest and joins everyone on a couch to talk.

Starting the tour with a jolt of caffeine and a dose of whiskey is perfect. It perked me up after a long drive to get there while simultaneously relaxing me with some whiskey. I also loved the relaxing start to the tour, letting guests take a breather before taking in so much information.

2. The Tully Bus takes you to other parts of the distillery.

It’s hard to fully understand the size of large distilleries because guests usually only see the visitor’s center. But the Tullamore Distillery Tour shows visitors just how large their distillery campus is: it requires a bus to get around.

After walking through the shiny still and fermentation room, our guide took us outside and gave us fluorescent vests to wear. (Safety first!) Then we boarded an adorably tiny bus, dubbed the Tully Bus , for the next part of the tour.

The drive is only a few minutes, but it gives you a sense of just how much ground the distillery covers. The distillery covers 58 acres (!), and is one of the few in Ireland where all steps of the whiskey-making process are done on site. (That means milled, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured, and even bottled.)

3. You get to drink whiskey IN the warehouse.

The second part of the tour takes place in a warehouse. Being in a whiskey warehouse is a special treat by itself — the smell is indescribably fascinating. For me, being inside a whiskey warehouse is always a magical feeling. But drinking inside a warehouse takes it to a whole new level.

Our guide took us inside the warehouse of towering whiskey barrels. We were told to leave our phones and cameras near the door for the next part, so I don’t have photographic proof but you’ll have to trust me on its awesomeness. She took us to a tiny bar surrounded by a curved bench in the middle of stacked whiskey barrels . And then she grabbed a whiskey thief.

She proceeded to take the whiskey thief — a long, copper tube that draws whiskey from a barrel — and grab whiskey for us to enjoy. Right in the warehouse. It was the most wonderful surprise. (The whiskey, by the way, was a 7-year old single cask aged in ex-bourbon.)

4. The Tullamore Distillery Tour Tasting is in a fancy lab.

At the end of the Tullamore Distillery tour, the guide takes visitors back to the visitor’s center to a fancy room lined with bottles along the wall. If you look closely, the small bottles have handwritten labels — they are sample bottles used for blending.

Tullamore whiskey is unique in that three separate whiskeys are made, then blended together for the final product. (More on that below.) It takes a lot of expertise and experience to properly blend whiskey, and seeing some of the work behind it is amazing. If that’s not enough, then visitors get to taste the three whiskeys that make up Tullamore: single malt (provides the fruity notes), single grain (giving it sweetness), and pot still (provided spice).

5. There’s a Blend-Your-Own-Bottle in the gift shop.

Tullamore D.E.W. Original, their most popular whiskey, is a blend of three triple-distilled whiskeys : single grain, single malt, and pot still. They are aged in ex-bourbon barrels, ex-sherry butts, and refill barrels, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Blending whiskey is an art — and a very difficult skill to master. But if you want to try your hand at it, you can create your own, one-of-a-kind blend in the Tullamore gift shop. The screen asks prompts about your flavor profile, asking if you prefer sweet versus salty, things like that. Then it creates a whiskey that reflects that balance.

The Tullamore Distillery tour is one of the most well-rounded, informative, and fun distillery tours I’ve been on. I highly recommend it if you’re nearby or in Dublin. ( Book this tour for transportation from Dublin!)

Related :: How to Plan a Whiskey Trip to Ireland , the Ultimate Guide to Distilleries in Ireland , and What to Eat in Ireland

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Tullamore Dew Review – Will This Popular Irish Whiskey Win You Over?

Tullamore Dew is a blended Irish Whiskey . It’s a great go-to whisky for an affordable mixer or even to sip from time to time. Unlike a lot of other Irish or Scottish whiskeys, Tullamore Dew has a sense of malt, despite there not being too much malt in it.

It’s approachable, and it’s immensely popular in overseas markets. Its sales are second to Jameson, but likely only because not as many people have had the nerve to try it. Once you do, you may find that it’s comparable, or even better. Let’s dive into this Tullamore Dew Whisky Review 

Tullamore Dew is a pot still whiskey made using a blend of Irish malt and grain. It’s bottled at 40% ABV. Their legendary whiskey-making process is based on the number three. It contains three natural ingredients, three-grain distillation varieties, and three maturation casks.

This triple blended whiskey, triple distilled, and triple matured have an award-winning taste and plenty of Irish character. It was won 21 awards in the past 20 years, including a gold medal in 2008 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and double gold at the World Spirits Competition.

Whiskey /40% ABV / Ireland

Tullamore DEW, the original blended Irish whiskey, is known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity.

While the Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey probably won’t knock your socks off if you’re an experienced whiskey drinker, it will wow the novice experimenter. It’s great for mixing with cocktails and it’s drinkable neat or on the rocks. The dark notes in the aroma and palate make it more interesting than the honied fruit that normally dominates the blended Irish whiskey category, making it a slightly more interesting choice than some of the others.

Irish Whiskey

The term whiskey comes from the phrase “water of life” and on the Emerald Isle, that’s just what whiskey is. Irish whiskey was born long before Guinness and long before people started adding green food coloring to their beer stateside.

St. Patrick may or may not be the legend we think he is, but whiskey in Ireland dates back to the middle ages. So, what makes it different? Spelling, for one. The Irish distillers and the Americans make whiskey, while the Scots and the Canadians make whisky.

There’s more to it than just that. Irish whisky is made differently than Scotch whiskey . Whiskey blended from malted and unmalted barley in a pot still while whiskey is made from malted barley only and dried over peat smoke. Scotch is distilled twice while Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled. The triple distillation makes a smoother spirit with higher alcohol content. Whiskey tastes more like the grain it’s made from than whiskey.

Tullamore Dew was a pot still whiskey when it was first developed in 1829. It’s named for the area where it originated. The town of Tullamore is nestled in the Irish Midlands and the whiskey was made here under the name Tullamore until Daniel E. Williams took the business over in the late nineteenth century.

The name changed to Tullamore Dew (Daniel’s initials) and the distillery took off. Unfortunately, during Prohibition, distilleries everywhere suffered. Tullamore Dew survived through the 1930s and past the World War II shortages to come out victorious on the other side.

Daniel’s grandson, Edmund, created Irish Mist in the mid-1940s but quickly moved back to blending Irish whiskey at the distillery. He was instrumental in creating the Irish Coffee we know today and Tullamore Dew is the Irish whiskey he used.

The modern Tullamore Dew that we drink today is a product of this post-war production. But there’s a lot more history in between. The Tullamore distillery closed in 1954 when production was moved to the New Midleton Distillery in Cork.

The Tullamore label sold to Powers in the 1960s and the brand who owned the name now focused more on Jameson, Powers, and Paddy whiskeys. As a result of the changing hands and the consolidation, it was no surprise that Tullamore fell behind other big brand names.

For many years in the later half of the twentieth century, consolidation was rampant, and there were only two distilleries in all of the Republic of Ireland. However, by the early 2000s, everything changed. Grant’s bought the Tullamore label in 2010 and built a new distillery in Tullamore. Today, Tullamore is original blended Irish whiskey  in its original home amid rich history of the first distillery and the people who perfected it.

The package is modest, and doesn’t really catch the eye as it sits next to other whiskeys on the shelf. They didn’t pour as much money into the packaging as they did the process, so don’t judge this book by its cover.

It comes in a rectangular bottle that’s rounded on the edges. It has a simple, dark green label and it’s topped with a metal screw cap. Some higher-priced whiskeys come corked, but this bottle is easy to open, sip, and seal back up for later.

Tasting Notes

Tullamore Dew taste is surprisingly complex for a whiskey in its class. It’s an entry-level whiskey at an accessible price point, but it’s buttery smooth rather than smoky or spicy taste. It’s a great whiskey of choice for novice whiskey lovers. You may also be interested to know that it’s had it’s fifteen minutes of fame as the whiskey of choice for Stieg Larsson’s protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, in the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Tullamore Dew has a toffee tint in the bottle and looks like honey in the glass.

It smells of sweet citruses like red apples, banana chips, and dried fruit. You’ll also notice some honey, toffee, vanilla, and woody aromas. It can smell a bit grainy or malty as well. On the nose, Tullamore Dew is more complex than a lot of others in its class. It’s dynamic and interesting.

Surprisingly, Tullamore Dew is an excellent sipping whiskey. It’s sweet and smooth. It’s not too heavy on the palate like a lot of other smoky or spicy whiskeys. The malty flavor and slight woodiness add some complexity, but they’re not overpowering.

The finish is smooth and light, so it sneaks away rather than leaving you with a stunning aftershock. As it fades, you’ll find more toffee, dried fruit, and malt.

Tullamore Dew has a medium body with a balance that could be better, but is fine for its price point. It has a buttery feel in the mouth and is silky and smooth.

My Recommendations

If you like Irish whiskey, there are plenty of other options to try. Here are some that top the list, in case you’re on the lookout for something that’s either similar to Tullamore Dew, or very different.

Triple-distilled from the finest barley and water from County Cork’s Irish countryside, Paddy’s matures for years in three types of oaken casks, acquiring its distinctively rich and golden color in dark, aromatic warehouses before being shipped directly from Ireland.

Paddy Irish whiskey is slightly cheaper than Tullamore, and until the early 2000s, they were owned by the same label and made in the same distillery. It’s from Cork, which has appeal for those across the pond who have heard of Cork, but never heard of Tullamore.

It’s smooth, but the flavor is light, and a tad too bland for even some novice whiskey drinkers. While it’s affordable and accessible to almost anyone, it’s not always the best choice if you want complexity.

This warm amber-colored whiskey has the aroma of citrus, honey, and the sweetness of nuts and grain. On the palate, it's light and smooth with a blend of honey, malt, oak, pears, and spice flavors.

The unique thing about Kilbeggan is that it has cinnamon and sweet corn notes. It’s more like bourbon than whiskey, which gives it a deeper flavor profile. The price is comparable to Tullamore Dew.

Teeling Small Batch

Whiskey /46% ABV / Ireland

This bottling consists of hand selected casks which are given further maturation in ex-rum barrels imparting extra character and smooth flavour unique to liquid. 

This one is slightly more expensive, but because it’s aged in rum barrels, it has flavors of vanilla and molasses without much of the same character as a whiskey. The flavor is interesting with rum and floral notes.

Offering hints of vanilla, cream and freshly cut grass with a touch of sweetness, Jameson Whiskey is aged for a minimum of four years, resulting in the quintessential triple-distilled liquid that is both smooth and versatile. 

This is by far the most popular Irish whiskey in the United States. It outsells number two at 10 to 1. However, that isn’t always indicative of quality. It simply means people have heard of it, so brand recognition plays into their purchasing habits.

Jameson smells like lemon, orange peel, vanilla, and pepper. It’s clean and simple, but dominant and assertive. It’s worth it, especially at the price point. It’s affordable, and its popularity makes it widely available to just about everyone.

Whiskey /40% ABV / Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Bushmills® Original Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled single malt whiskey combined with an aromatic, lighter grain Irish whiskey, aged at least 3 years in bourbon and European Sherry casks. 

This is the number two selling Irish whiskey in the States. It tastes like a freshly baked apple pie topped with cinnamon. There’s a hint of tropical flavor that spices it up a bit and makes it interesting.

The Verdict

Tullamore Dew is an Irish whiskey with a rich history. Its ownership is muddied with changing hands and consolidations, but it has returned to its roots and is a great Irish whiskey to try. It is smooth and buttery, making it accessible to novices, but it has a complex flavor profile for its price.

It makes a fantastic neat sipping whiskey but it’s also delicious in fruity cocktails, making it a versatile choice for just about anyone. While it may lack fancy presentation, it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. If you don’t enjoy the spicy, smoky flavor of other whiskies, Tullamore Dew is definitely something that may interest you. Its palatable finish makes it much easier to drink than you might expect, despite being a tad alcohol heavy.

Tullamore Dew is more than you might expect from another whiskey in its class, so the next time you decide to pick up a bottle of something new, grab Tullamore Dew. It’s easy on the eyes, nose, palate, and pocketbook.

FAQ’s About Tullamore Dew

This type of question is highly subjective. However, you may be wondering how Tullamore Dew measures up to the best selling Irish whiskey in the United States. Both are surprisingly smooth for the price, and they both ring up at the register about the same. Jameson’s flavor profile is robust while Tullamore Dew is sweeter and softer. Jameson has a hint of spice, while Tullamore Dew is buttery and silky. Jameson pairs well with ginger ale while Tullamore Dew is better mixed with fruitier cocktails or in a glass, neat.

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to Irish whiskey, and that’s not even counting Scotch whisky, American whiskey, or Canadian whisky. However, there are quite a few Irish whiskey names that top the list, and you’ve probably heard of most of them. Jameson , Bushmills , Paddy, Powers, and Tullamore Dew are a few of the most popular. However, if you’re on the lookout for something new, you could try The Dead Rabbit, Redbreast, Teeling, or Slane.

To be considered a true Irish whiskey, the liquid must be aged for at least three years. It usually isn’t exposed to peat smoke like Scotch whiskey, and Irish law states that it must be aged in barrels for a minimum of three years.

Tullamore Dew has a variety of reserves and aged products, including a 12-year, 14-year, 15-year, and 18-year. However, Tullamore Dew has not released an age statement on its original product. Because Irish law states that true whiskey must be aged for at least three years, it’s safe to assume that the original Tullamore Dew whiskey is aged for at least that long. At the price point, it’s hard to say, but it’s probably not aged for much longer than that, although longer aging would explain its complexity of character.

Recommended Reads:

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The Fixer Whiskey

Tullamore Dew Review [2021] — Is It Worth It?

About tullamore dew whiskey.

Tullamore Dew, a large Irish whiskey distiller but a far second to Jameson, is often known for their entry-level Tullamore Dew Original in the green label. However, there’s a much higher quality product, and actually, one of the highest-scoring whiskeys you could have ever tried. With an approachable yet complex taste, Tullamore Dew has everything you could possibly want from a mid-range whiskey.

The green label is considered to be the entry-level whiskey for Tullamore Dew and is often the most common bottle in both on and offline stores. It’s a relatively smooth Irish whiskey with a definite sweetness to it and an almost oaky finish which leads you to believe it’s not mashed or distilled all in malted barley as you would expect from a budget Irish whiskey set at this price point.

The appearance says it all. The color is a classic of the genre. It is quite saturated with amber. It has a rather unpalatable density for most drinks. The color gives off light, it reflects it when direct light hits it. It is opaque in vibrancy.

The nose has a very strong alcohol presence, followed by very light sweet notes of honey, green apple, pear, and grains. There is virtually nothing indicating that it was finished in sherry casks. However, you can’t distinguish between this whiskey and other alcohols, because the scent of alcohol is overwhelming, and it drowns out the subtler aromas in the whiskey.

Tullamore Dew whiskey has a bewitching flavor and aroma . It is one of the most famous and popular whiskies in the world. This whiskey has bright vanilla and sweet tasting notes that are intertwined with light floral notes of green fruits such as apples and pears. Here you can taste very interesting oily and spicy notes.

Tullamore Dew has a little ginger spice that’s not too overpowering and a hint of pepper spray that gives a little spicy kick on your palate . This is a whiskey with a light, crisp taste that is reminiscent of toast or light yeast. It is a very traditional whiskey that has stood the test of time. A lot of whisky aficionados agree that Tullamore Dew tastes exactly the same as it did 60 years ago.

In the beginning, the alcohol is very noticeable. It may be numbing while it is on your tongue, but after you swallow the alcohol, it leaves a combination of sharp wood, honey, apple, and pear flavors. However, once the alcohol gradually wears off, you’ll be left with a fruity sensation that will stick with you for a good while.

Tullamore Dew Alternatives

If you’re a whiskey drinker and you haven’t tried Tullamore Dew then you should still think about trying other whiskeys. Some of the main reasons why people haven’t tried other whiskeys are because they don’t know what other whiskeys to try or they don’t know where to find them. Below, some alternatives are highlighted so you can broaden your knowledge and try something new.

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

Jack Daniel’s has been around for a very long time. In fact, it isn’t just the oldest registered distillery, it’s the actual first distillery in Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 doesn’t really need an introduction any more than Coca-Cola does. I think even the non-drinking majority has heard of this Tennessee whiskey/bourbon, possibly not knowing that it is both (although, I tend to think that most people who hear about Jack Daniel’s know that it is both).

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey is a sour mash whiskey, which means the mash used for this is made up of both fermented and unfermented grains. This whiskey also has three-grain recipes used to make it, corn, barley, and rye. You can definitely taste both corn and rye most prominently, with barley fading into the background. It’s a nice combination that really gives this whiskey some extra character, without being too overpowering or overly sweet.

It is the balance of sweet and spicy that Jack Daniel’s does so well. Like other Tennessee whiskey, this one is made with corn which gives it the sweetness but the rye makes its presence known. The proof here is 100.

Jim Beam Distiller’s Cut

Jim Beam, the big bourbon brand you already know, is becoming even bigger. This whiskey hopes to dominate the whiskey market and bring more attention to the already good name of Jim Beam.

Nose: Wow, what a rush of vanilla and caramel sweetness with orange rind and cherry. The charred oak barrel notes eventually break through but it’s not nearly as potent as what I was expecting. Butterscotch is one of the first flavors you notice once that initial rush fades out. There is some brown sugar or demerara sugar that carries into the finish that’s complemented by the subtle woodiness.

Regarding the taste, caramel, vanilla, and citrus flavor notes lead the way, carrying over into a long and lingering finish that follows suit with deeper notes of charred wood, floral pine, and nutty peanut butter.

Blanton’s Single Barrel

Single barrel bourbon is something of a craze at the moment. Blanton’s Single Barrel is often considered the original single barrel bourbon sold in the modern market (the past 40 years or so). The rickhouses used for this brand are located on the Buffalo Trace Distillery grounds in Frankfort, Kentucky.

The first smell has a nice, somewhat thick smell of caramel, wood, sweet corn, and honey, followed by a moderate cherry sweetness, almost like cherry soda. The taste is a great balance of citrus and cherry with a big kick of honey, with some sweetness from the corn coming through. 

A little sweetness on the front of the palate with some dark nuances (chocolate, raisin, and coconut), malty grains with hints of orange cereal, tobacco, some mild spice (cinnamon, clove), slightly dry finish.

The Verdict

“Take Me On”’ is the title of the TV ad, in which an old Irish man asks his grandson if he’s looking for something smooth. The boy responds with “Tullamore Dew”, to which the old man simply says “Right answer” in that thick Irish brogue that we love so much. The commercial is meant to be in line with the strength of the whiskey itself.

Tullamore Dew is smooth whiskey. In fact, it’s the smoothest whiskey you’ll ever encounter. And not only that, it comes from Tullamore, Ireland. If you’re looking for a different taste from the normal run-of-the-mill whiskeys, you want to try Tullamore Dew.

Is Tullamore Dew Worth the Money?

It’s a question that has been on the lips of whiskey drinkers the world over for many years but has never really been answered. This is down to one simple reason. Everyone thinks their own whiskey is the best. And everyone thinks their whiskey is worth every cent. Tullamore Dew is an Irish whiskey with a huge following among women. And if you can buy a decent whiskey like this for under $30.00 then why not?

How Much Is a Bottle of Tullamore Dew?

It’s a common question. With so many different whiskey drinks being sold, it can be hard to compare them all. And when it comes to whiskey, Tullamore Dew certainly makes for an interesting discussion. The cost of this Irish whiskey is lower than $30.00 ($23.99 to be exact) per bottle . As you are getting a bottle with a trustworthy name on it with a long history it’s a bargain. 

Does Tullamore Dew Increase in Value?

The history of this iconic whiskey is surrounded by stories — some maybe even rivaling Mark Twain. It’s good to know if it’s worth your time spending many hours driving around Ireland attempting to locate some bottles for future investment purposes. There are some collectibles on which there is no doubt, any whisky connoisseur will tell you that Tullamore Dew has gone up in value. With the increase in demand for this bottle of Irish whiskey, it’s no wonder that antique stores are having a tough time keeping it in stock.

Is Tullamore Dew Better Than Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7?

At the end of the day, it depends on what you mean by Better. If you love a night of whiskey drinking or a good whiskey to sip, then you have noticed that they have remarkably similar branding and taste. Both whiskeys are made of corn, barley, rye, and malted barely and they both are distilled at 40%ABV. 

What Makes Tullamore Dew Special?

Tullamore Dew is an Irish whiskey and is one of the most known and popular whiskeys to be produced in Ireland. There are whiskey connoisseurs, and then there are Tullamore Dew fans. These fans love the Smokey-sweet taste that’s made Tullamore Dew the fastest growing Irish whiskey in America. The taste of age and history makes it genuinely unique.

Anthony Lewis

Hi! My name is Anthony. My hobbies are chess and whiskey tasting. In my blog I review my favorite Friday drink – whiskey. I find rare flavors around the world and will be happy to share them with you. Welcome to my blog !

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Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience Tour & Visitor Centre

If you need help with your booking please call +353 57 93 19760 or email [email protected]

Booking Summary

We’re booked up for that tour! BUT the good news is, we have spaces available in our "Beauty of Blend" Guided Tasting

"Beauty of Blend" guided tasting Experience

Our unique tasting experience will start with the fascinating history of the Tullamore D.E.W. brand, it’s founder, right through to how it has become the second largest Irish whiskey in the world. Guests will then undertake a tutored tasting of our three exceptional whiskies: Tullamore D.E.W. Original, Tullamore D.E.W. X.O. Rum Cask Finish & 12 Year Old Special Reserve.

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Cost: €20 per person
• Subject to availability

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Tullamore Dew 10 year Review

Josh Peters · March 25, 2015 · Leave a Comment

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Tullamore DEW 10 year Irish Single malt is a whiskey that’s been aged in bourbon, oloroso sherry, port and madeira casks which give it the rich, raisiny, dark and fruity notes that permeate the dram from start to finish. It’s this unique 4 wood approach to an Irish single malt that sets it apart from most of it’s competition and gives it an aroma and flavor profile all it’s own.

Tullamore DEW is currently made by the folks at Midleton Distillery, which is the same place Jameson and Redbreast come from. However, that’s all going to change over the next couple of years because September 17th 2014 the Tullamore Distillery opened in Tullamore and the whiskey will once again be coming from the town. Though under Irish law it can’t be called whiskey till it’s been aged for 3 years so we’re still a long way off from getting to try the new Tullamore whiskey, and even further from getting to try a completely Tullamore made Tullamore 10 year, so for now it’s all still being sourced from Midleton.

Distiller: Midleton Bottler: William Grant & Sons Age: 12 years ABV: 40% Price: $50

EYE Caramel

NOSE Complex raisiny fruit that carries notes of berries, orchard and citrus start things off on the right foot. Accompanied by some malty and sweet winey notes along with hints of spice, wood, fruit leather, and vanilla bean it makes for a nice rich sniffing experience.

PALATE The palate is considerably duller and more muddled than the nose, but nonetheless it starts off malty and fruity with notes of wood, spice and graham. Light winey notes show up towards the end and even though it’s more muddled than the nose it’s still quite nice.

FINISH Long fruity and malty speckled with notes of wood, spice, chocolate Twizzlers and ash.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL Carries a decent balance about it with a medium body and a smooth velvety texture.

OVERALL Tullamore Dew 10 year is a nice whiskey. It won’t blow your socks off, but for a decently complex, aromatic and flavorful. The nose is soft, darkly sweet and fruity; the palate is a muddled and maltier, but lovely, mirror of the nose; the finish is just plain enjoyable. You really can’t ask for much more in a daily drinker and and this whiskey is simply fantastic for that purpose.

SCORE : 86/100

Tullamore Dew 10 year

Tullamore Dew 10 year Value

Tullamore Dew 10 is a great value for the price with so much flavor and aroma packed into one bottle. Yes it’s a bit muddled, but do you really need to enjoy a crisp austere whiskey every day?

• Palate - 85
• Finish - 87
• Balance, Body & Feel - 86

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Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky Review

Posted by Matt Oakley | May 4, 2023 | Whiskey & Bourbon Reviews | 0 |

• Distillery Dudes Rating 76% 76%

At Distillery Dudes, we don’t mess around when it comes to our whiskey. Our reviews are based on firsthand experience, with each and every drink sampled by our team members. We’re not a big operation, but we make up for it with passion and dedication. So you can trust that when we give our honest feedback, it’s backed by the taste buds of two die-hard whiskey enthusiasts. We may not have a huge team, but we have something even better – a shared love for great whiskey and bourbon. Let’s raise a glass to that!

When it comes to Irish whiskey, there are plenty of options to choose from. But for me, Tullamore DEW holds a special place in my heart. It was actually the first Irish whiskey I ever tried, and even though I’ve tried many others since then, it remains a personal favorite. While it may not be the most high-end whiskey out there, there’s something about Tullamore DEW’s smoothness and character that keeps me coming back for more. In this review, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey, covering everything from its color and smell to its flavor and finish, as well as what makes it unique and its overall value.

About Tullamore DEW

Tullamore DEW is an Irish whiskey brand that has been around for over 180 years. It was originally founded in 1829 by Michael Molloy in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The brand changed hands several times over the years, but it was eventually acquired by William Grant & Sons in 2010. Today, Tullamore DEW is one of the most popular Irish whiskey brands in the world.

COLOR One of the first things you’ll notice about this whisky is its color. It has a rich, golden hue that is reminiscent of the Irish countryside. The whiskey is aged in both bourbon and sherry casks, which gives it its distinctive color and flavor.

SMELL The aroma of Tullamore DEW is complex and intriguing. You’ll notice a subtle hint of honey and vanilla, as well as a slightly floral note. There’s also a slight spiciness to the smell, which is a result of the aging process.

Tullamore Dew has a smooth and creamy taste, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle smokiness. There are also notes of fruit and spice, which add a small bit of complexity to the flavor profile. As someone who has tried a few Irish whiskeys, I can see how the flavor profile of Tullamore DEW might be underwhelming for those more experienced in this category. While it’s smooth and easy to drink, it may lack the complexity and depth that some whiskey enthusiasts are looking for

The finish of Tullamore DEW is long and satisfying. It has a pleasant warmth that lingers on the palate, with a subtle spiciness that adds depth to the finish. The whiskey also has a slight dryness to the finish, which is a result of the sherry casks used during the aging process.

“It has a pleasant warmth that lingers on the palate, with a subtle spiciness that adds depth to the finish.”

In terms of value, Tullamore DEW is a great choice. It is a high-quality whiskey that is priced fairly, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers. Additionally, it has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other Irish whiskeys in its price range.

What Makes Tullamore DEW Unique

Firstly, it is aged in both bourbon and sherry casks, which gives it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the blend of three types of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt, and grain – gives it a unique character that is not found in other whiskeys. Finally, the use of the natural water source in Tullamore – the Danny Burn – adds to the whiskey’s unique taste.

If you like Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey, I recommend trying Jameson for a different flavor experience while still enjoying a similar style of Irish whiskey. While Tullamore DEW has a smooth and complex profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, Jameson is smoother and sweeter with hints of honey and spice.

Redbreast 12 year

A slightly higher price point but a must-try for Irish Whiskey fans. Redbreast 12 year is another Irish whiskey that’s triple distilled and has a smooth and rich flavor profile but with more pronounced sherry cask notes and a longer finish.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Listen, Tullamore DEW is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Irish whiskey. It has a rich and complex flavor profile that is unique among other whiskeys in its price range. Additionally, the brand has a fascinating history that adds to its appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or a newcomer to the world of Irish whiskey, the DEW is definitely worth trying.

Where can I buy Tullamore DEW?

Tullamore DEW is widely available at liquor stores and online retailers. You can also find it at many bars and restaurants that serve Irish whiskey. Check your local liquor store or online retailer to see if they carry Tullamore DEW, or ask your favorite bartender if they have it in stock.

How should I drink Tullamore DEW?

Tullamore DEW can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. If you’re drinking it neat, consider adding a few drops of water to help open up the flavors. If you’re mixing it in a cocktail, it pairs well with ginger beer, lemon juice, or other citrus flavors.

Where is Tullamore Dew Made?

It is made in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The whiskey was originally produced at the Tullamore Distillery, which was founded in 1829, but the distillery closed in the 1950s. The brand was later revived by William Grant & Sons, who built a new distillery in Tullamore in 2014 where Tullamore DEW is now produced.

Is Tullamore DEW better than Jameson?

Both Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey and Jameson Irish Whiskey are well-regarded brands within the Irish whiskey category, and both have their own unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Some people may prefer the smooth and complex flavor profile of Tullamore DEW, while others may prefer the smoother and sweeter taste of Jameson. Ultimately, the “better” whiskey will depend on personal taste and preferences. We recommend trying both Tullamore DEW and Jameson to see which one you prefer…With that being said. I prefer the DEW! 

About The Author

Matt Oakley

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Tullamore Dew 14 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review

By Richard Thomas

Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Single Malt was a particular favorite of mine, one of my favorite Irish Whiskeys in fact. Part of what made it so special was that the whiskey was a four wood, drawn from malt whiskey stock aged in ex-bourbon, Port, Sherry and Madeira casks. It’s not a combination often seen (indeed, few inventories even have all four types of stock on hand), and I thought the stock plus the blender’s skill made that one an item better than offerings several years older.

So, I was dismayed when I learned that Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Four Wood was being withdrawn from the market, bit by bit. Then I learned it was being partly replaced by new 14 and 18 year old expressions, also single malts and also four woods. In a move very much at odds with the No Age Statement spirit of the times, Tullamore was going up the ladder, not down. Since I loved the 10 year old so much, I was naturally very curious about its new, older siblings. What would extra time in the casks do for the whiskey?

The Whiskey Despite bottling at a slightly higher ABV (10 Year Old was 40%; 14 Year Old is 41.3%) and extra time in the wood, the coloring in the glass is very similar. This whiskey has a pale amber appearance, something like dark apple juice, and is endowed with long, viscous legs.

The scent was full of seasoned fruit, like a bowl of apple slices and chunks of pineapple with a drizzle of vanilla syrup sprinkled around. Beneath that were notes of peppery spiciness and a splinter of dry wood. The palate followed pretty much along those lines. The whiskey has an oily, but still light texture, with the fruit bowl described above joined by a dollop of honey. The peppery spice is a bit stronger on the palate than the nose, with that splinter of dry wood holding constant as a minor, background note.

The finish holds onto the pepper, as the sweetnesss rolls into tobacco leaf, a light aftertaste on the tongue that drifts off into lasting, mild warmth.

The interesting thing about Tullamore Dew 14 Year Old in my book is how it serves as an object lesson in diminishing returns. Undoubtedly I like it better than the 10 Year Old, but only slightly better. It’s a clear, but still narrow margin of improvement. So, it’s a more than worthy successor, especially at the price point (see below), but not a dramatic improvement in the way that some might think an extra four years should mean.

The Price When I describe Tullamore Dew 14 Year Old as a replacement for 10 Year Old, in price terms it’s true. In the U.S., this whiskey is listed at $70, about the same as the 10 Year Old was. In the UK, expect to pay £59.95.

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June 2024 Spirit of the Month: Tullamore D.E.W. Honey, Your Cocktail Secret Weapon This Summer

• By Oscar Hartzog

Oscar Hartzog

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

As the weather warms up, so does our bar. Lighter, sweeter spirits and mixers make their way to the front, while dark liquor goes into hibernation until fall. However, each spring we typically look for something new to work into our warm-weather cocktails — a fresh ingredient to make things more interesting. This year, that new addition is Tullamore D.E.W. Honey .

We almost always turn our noses up at flavored spirits, but Tully Honey’s potential as a cocktail ingredient — and its simple, natural flavoring — won us over. If you’re looking to freshen up your cocktail arsenal this summer, pick up a bottle of Tully Honey for around $20-$30 (available on Total Wine here for $19.99.

Tullamore D.E.W. Honey first launched in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, and Bulgaria in 2021, but this year it finally landed in the U.S. Bottled at 35%, it’s technically a liqueur that starts as Tully’s original blend of pot still, malt, and grain whiskey, which is then infused with Bohemian honey. Tullamore D.E.W. says the difference between its honey product and other similar releases is in honey sourcing. “We combine our whiskey with natural honey sourced from Bohemian hives in the Czech Republic, which is known for having the world’s finest honey,” says US Ambassador Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan. “They tell us they’re the world’s happiest bees making the world’s finest honey.”

The resulting liquid is one of the only great flavored spirits we’ve tasted. The honey is immediately noticeable, adding a warm sweetness to the whiskey . But it’s very subtle, and you still get some spice and vanilla from the base whiskey. In short, it tastes real — probably because, unlike some flavored spirits, this one’s ingredients are real .

Where Tully Honey really shines is in cocktails. Because it’s already essentially two ingredients — whiskey and honey — you can easily make fresh cocktails without bothering with other sweet ingredients. Here are some of our favorite cocktails to make with the whiskey, as suggested by Tullamore D.E.W. Global Ambassador Kevin Pigott:

• 2 parts whiskey
• 3⁄4 parts fresh lemon juice
• 3⁄4 parts part honey syrup

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

• 1⁄2 parts fresh lime juice
• Top with ginger beer

Stir whiskey and lemon juice in a mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime wheel.

Auld Fashioned

• 1 part simple syrup or one sugar cube
• 3 dash angostura bitters

Add ingredients and stir, garnish with an orange twist.

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