tullamore dew tour review

Tullamore Dew Heritage Center

Review Highlights

“ I enjoyed learning the history behind the founder of the distillery and the story behind this whiskey . ” in 6 reviews

“ The whisky tasting was my boyfriend's favorite part of the tour, lucky for him he got to drink double. ” in 2 reviews

“ An incredible experience and break from the drive between Dublin and Galway. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Republic of Ireland

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Overall rating

Fun experience. I highly recommend the MasterClass or the other premium experiences. One, you get great attention from Emma or other guides. Two, you get access to tastings beyond the regular tour. An incredible experience and break from the drive between Dublin and Galway. When in the store, I highly recommend looking at the stills and restaurant sharing the same building. Give every man his Dew.

Having been to Ireland and Scottland once before, I've been on a few different whisky tours even though I am not a whisky drinker. That being said, The Tullamore Dew Heritage Center Whisky Tour is one of the best I've been on- better than Jameson! The tour starts with a quick welcome from the tour guide, then a video. After the video you walk through the tour route, stopping at different points where the tour guide or a video explains a different part of the whiskey making process. The tour is small, which allows you to ask any questions you have. Additionally everything is hands on, so you are able to feel the different grains, take a few sniffs in the smelling room, touch different equipment, and of course- try the whisky! The whisky tasting was my boyfriend's favorite part of the tour, lucky for him he got to drink double. Tullamore gives you 3 tastings, all their brands: ATullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Old Bonded Warehouse Release, and a 12 Year Special Reserve. Out tour guide was awesome. He was super friendly and very funny.All in all the tour lasts just over an hour. Tour begin at the top of each hour. The Center, which is no longer a working distillery and has a restaurant and gift shop in addition to the tour route. The gift shop is full of goodies- including the Old Bonded Warehouse Release which you can only get there. I didn't eat at the restaurant, but it smelled great and everything looked delicious. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Ireland.

It's €12 guides tour with three kinds of small glasses Whisky tasting in the end. The tour guide is hilarious. I have fun time enjoy the tour, learn about Whiskey making, and tasting the whiskey. It's a different experience than the Guinness tour. Kinda like compare Napa winery to a Sonoma one if you understand what I mean. I also tried an Irish coffee and breakfast scone with strawberry jam. It's delicious. The coffee is very strong, so I asked for extra milk. Like the barista said, it's never too early for a up of Irish coffee which I completely agree. I'll recommend this distillery tour any time in a hear beat!

See all photos from Candy C. for Tullamore Dew Heritage Center

I came here for the tea rooms, rather than the tour. The cafe was pretty busy and the service was great, all the staff are lovely and helpful- they even grabbed us a few more coffee biscuits when we batted our eyelids! The coffee was decent, did taste like the bean dispenser needed a cleaning, but it was fine. The smell of the food around us was amazing, and we sampled a few chips which were to die for! Will definitely be back to try more of the food. The little shop is very cute, some lovely gifts for a whiskey enthusiast or collector. The building is very beautiful.

We ended up here unintentionally on our way across the country, but we're very glad we did. Much like the Jameson distillery tour, this is the "old" location where it was originally made. Never less, the tour is good, the tasting room is amazing and the restaurant downstairs has great food. Definitely pick up a bottle of their reserve to take home.

My husband and I did the tour of the distillery and loved it! The staff are all very friendly and informative about the process of making their companies whiskey. You also get to taste 3 of their whiskeys at the end. Over all a good experience, especially if you are a whiskey lover!

My husband and I did the tour of the distillery and loved it! The staff are all very friendly and informative about the process of making their companies whiskey. You also get to taste 3 of their whiskeys at the end. Over all a good experience!

Great experience at Tullamore DEW! This was my first time doing a formal tasting of whiskey and my first time in Ireland. This was a great introduction into the world of whiskey and the production making process. I'm not used to sipping whiskey, so my first sip sort of knocked me off my feet! It was around 10:30AM and I also discovered that this is an excellent way to wake someone up! With each additional sip it became more palatable and less of a burn in my throat and chest. We left a lot of whiskey behind in the tasting glasses which they said was okay. Our tour guide was fantastic and provided a great lesson and tons of information to our group. I enjoyed learning the history behind the founder of the distillery and the story behind this whiskey. At the end of our tour, we were invited back down into the cafe and gift shop and had some time to order some drinks! I highly recommend getting the whiskey cocktail made with apple cider and lemon! It was delicious and you couldn't even taste the whiskey in it. A great drink for a beginner like me!

Tullamore Dew is certainly worth a visit - located in the cute Irish town of Tullamore. My mate and I stopped by here last Saturday around 10:30AM and were able to immediately get into the next tour led by Amy - who was excellent. The facility is stunning - and the whiskey samples at the end are fun as well. Once you're done - it's worth having a walk around the town center. Great spot - and we're glad we made it a point to visit during our trip to Dublin.

I went in excited to see how they made whiskey in Ireland. But instead of a working distillery, this is a museum with a lot of use of flashy technology. Maybe it's me, but I would rather see the nitty gritty of making whiskey rather than a highly commercialized video and walk-through about it. All that to say, the whiskey sampling was an enjoyable end. They just need to cut out the first part or put the whiskey at the beginning as the tour may be better intoxicated.

Really well done tour with a fun knowledgeable tour guide! The tasting was very informative - she knew how to describe the subtle nuances among the different whiskeys we sampled. We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area.

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Tullamore Dew Review: The Irish Whiskey Experience

Tullamore Dew Review: The Irish Whiskey Experience offers a delightful journey through the rich history and flavors of this iconic spirit. From its smooth texture to its distinct aroma, Tullamore Dew is an Irish whiskey that truly captivates the senses. Discover the magic behind this renowned brand and elevate your whiskey palate to new heights.

Written by: Jessie Bolton

Published on: October 26, 2023

Heading 1:⁤ Introduction to Tullamore‍ Dew:‌ A Quintessential Irish Whiskey

Heading 2: the ‍distinct⁤ flavors‍ and aromas of​ tullamore dew, the ‌distinct flavors⁢ and aromas of tullamore ⁢dew, unveiling the whiskey-making process at tullamore dew distillery, heading 4: tullamore ⁢dew ⁤range: exploring variants and recommendations, heading 5 (optional):⁤ tullamore dew cocktails: elevating the irish ‍whiskey experience, heading ⁢6 (optional): tullamore ​dew limited ⁣editions: distinctive ‍offerings for the connoisseurs, what ​makes tullamore⁣ dew rare and valuable, heading 8 (optional): tullamore ​dew: a perfect whiskey pairing for ‍culinary ‌delights, concluding remarks, introduction to ‍tullamore‌ dew:​ a ⁤quintessential irish whiskey.

Welcome‍ to the world of ⁤Tullamore Dew, a brand ⁤that ⁢showcases the⁤ timeless essence of Irish ‍whiskey. With a reputation built on rich ‌heritage and exceptional craftsmanship, Tullamore Dew has become a beloved name ⁢among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Rooted in the ​heart of⁤ Ireland, this quintessential spirit captures the spirit of its⁢ birthplace, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable tasting experience.

What sets Tullamore Dew apart ⁤is ‍its meticulous sourcing and blending of triple-distilled whiskies, bringing together ‌the ​finest ingredients, traditional​ craft, and contemporary ⁢innovation.⁤ Each bottle tells a story‍ that resonates with Irish‍ heritage,⁤ creating​ a sensory journey that transports you to⁢ the rolling ⁢green⁣ hills ⁢and historic distilleries​ of Ireland. ⁣Whether you’re ‌an ‍avid whiskey⁢ connoisseur or new to the realm of Irish spirits, Tullamore ‍Dew offers a taste that transcends boundaries, elevating your appreciation for the ‌artistry ‌of whiskey-making.

‌ ‌ Tullamore Dew, a world-renowned Irish whiskey, delights connoisseurs ⁣with ‌its unparalleled ⁣range of flavors and captivating‌ aromas. This exceptional whiskey offers a sensory experience like no other, embracing the rich heritage of Irish ‌craftsmanship. Distilled⁢ with⁤ care and‌ expertise,​ Tullamore Dew showcases a remarkable blend of malted barley,‍ triple-distilled spirit, and pure spring ‍water.

One of the‍ distinctive flavors that sets ⁢Tullamore Dew apart is ‌its velvety smoothness.‍ With hints of vanilla⁢ and caramel, ‌every sip of this ⁣whiskey⁤ is⁤ a⁢ treat ‌for the taste buds. The carefully selected oak casks used for maturing Tullamore ⁤Dew contribute to its balanced, yet complex, character. From the very​ first sip to​ the lingering aftertaste, the smoothness of this whiskey⁤ remains consistent, leaving⁤ a lasting impression.

• Delicate Floral Notes: Tullamore Dew ‍offers a​ bouquet⁣ of delicate floral aromas that‍ intertwine effortlessly,​ creating a symphony‌ of scents.
• Hint of Spice: Alongside the‍ floral ‍notes, Tullamore ​Dew surprises with a gentle hint of spice, adding depth ⁢and⁢ warmth to its profile.
• Zesty Citrus: The whiskey ⁤reveals a zesty citrus tang ‍that uplifts ‍the senses with ​its refreshing burst,‌ invigorating the overall ‌tasting experience.

Heading 3: Unveiling the Whiskey-Making Process at Tullamore Dew Distillery

Discover‍ the art and ​science behind ⁢crafting the ‌legendary Tullamore Dew whiskey at our historic distillery ⁤in the heart of Ireland. Step into a⁢ world where tradition meets innovation, as we ⁢take you on a captivating journey ‍through the whiskey-making process.

1. Ingredients: At Tullamore Dew Distillery, we believe that the quality of our⁤ whiskey begins with the finest ‌ingredients. Our skilled⁣ craftsmen⁤ carefully select the ​choicest grains, including malted barley, maize, ⁣and pure Irish water⁢ sourced from our very own natural ⁣springs. These ingredients form the foundation of our⁤ smooth and rich​ whiskey.

2. Malting and Mashing: To unlock the unique ⁢flavors of our whiskey, we undergo a meticulous⁢ malting and mashing process. The barley⁣ is soaked ⁣and ⁣allowed to ⁣germinate, converting ‌complex starches into fermentable sugars.​ This newly malted barley is then mashed with hot water, extracting the sugars and creating‌ a sweet liquid known as “wort.”

Tullamore Dew ⁣Range: Exploring Variants and Recommendations

When it comes‍ to ⁣Irish whiskey,‌ Tullamore Dew ​has long been at the forefront, renowned for its exceptional⁣ quality and ⁣smooth taste.⁤ The Tullamore Dew Range offers a ⁢diverse selection‍ of‍ variants, each with its⁤ own unique⁢ characteristics that cater to different​ palates and preferences. Whether ‌you are a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or⁢ just ‌beginning⁢ to embark on ⁢your whiskey journey, exploring‌ the ‌Tullamore Dew Range will undoubtedly leave you pleasantly​ surprised.

Firstly, let’s delve into the Tullamore Dew Original, the expression that started it all. This delightful blend combines ‌the finest grain ​and pot⁤ still whiskeys, ‍resulting in a harmonious balance of sweet, creamy vanilla notes with a gentle touch of spice.‍ It serves as an ⁣excellent introduction to⁣ Tullamore ⁣Dew’s signature style ‍and is perfect for those looking for⁤ a smooth and‍ approachable whiskey.

For those seeking ⁤a more complex flavor profile,⁢ the Tullamore⁣ Dew 12⁤ Year Old⁤ Special ⁤Reserve won’t disappoint. This carefully ⁣crafted⁢ whiskey​ undergoes‍ a triple distillation process‌ and is aged for a ⁤minimum‌ of 12 years in ⁤both ex-bourbon and sherry casks. The result is a rich and full-bodied whiskey with fruity‍ undertones, honeyed ‌sweetness, and hints of toasted oak.‍ Its velvety smoothness makes it ideal for savoring⁤ neat or with just a splash of water.

Tullamore Dew Cocktails: Elevating the Irish ‌Whiskey Experience

Immerse yourself in ⁢the art⁤ of⁤ mixology with our exquisite range of ​Tullamore Dew ⁣cocktails. Crafted ​with passion and precision, these handcrafted libations are expertly ⁣designed‍ to elevate‌ your ‌Irish whiskey ​experience to new ‍heights. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a ‍casual sipper, our ‍carefully curated ​selection of ⁢cocktails will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for⁢ more.

Indulge in the smooth⁣ and rich flavors of Tullamore Dew, enhanced by the​ creativity of our mixologists. ⁤From classic ⁢concoctions to innovative twists, we have something to suit every⁤ palate. Allow⁤ the aromatic ​notes of our award-winning​ whiskey to⁢ dance‌ on⁢ your tongue as you​ explore our⁢ menu of⁣ signature cocktails, each crafted to ​bring⁢ out the‌ unique character of Tullamore Dew. Whether you prefer⁤ the​ timeless elegance of an ​Old Fashioned or ⁣the ‌refreshing zing of a Whiskey Sour, our cocktails will transport you to a‌ world of refined taste and⁣ impeccable craftsmanship.

Tullamore Dew⁣ Limited⁢ Editions: Distinctive Offerings⁢ for the Connoisseurs

Tullamore Dew, the revered Irish whiskey brand, is ‌renowned for⁤ its exceptional craftsmanship ⁤and unwavering commitment​ to quality. With their limited editions, Tullamore Dew‍ presents a tantalizing array of ⁢offerings that have ‍been skillfully crafted⁢ to captivate the discerning ⁤palates ⁣of whiskey ⁢connoisseurs.

At the heart of Tullamore Dew ​Limited ⁤Editions ⁢is the ‌unwavering‍ commitment to innovation and​ pushing ⁤the boundaries of traditional distilling. Each release showcases​ the brand’s⁢ dedication ⁣to blending heritage‌ and modernity, resulting in whiskies that are‍ brimming‌ with character⁢ and complexity. Whether it’s ⁣a unique aging ⁤process , a limited production⁤ run,⁢ or the⁣ inclusion of rare ingredients,⁤ these limited editions ensure that every sip is ⁤an extraordinary experience.

Heading 7 (Optional):​ Tullamore Dew ⁣for Collectors: A Guide to Rarity and Value

Are you a passionate whiskey collector⁢ looking‍ to enhance your ⁤collection ‌with rare and valuable bottles of Tullamore Dew? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey​ to explore the world of ‌Tullamore ‌Dew rarities, helping you make informed decisions and uncover hidden gems that will impress even the most discerning whiskey ‍enthusiasts.

Tullamore Dew, one of Ireland’s most beloved whiskey​ brands, has a ⁤ rich heritage dating⁤ back to ⁢1829. Over ⁤the years, certain Tullamore⁣ Dew releases ⁣have ⁤gained renowned ​rarity due to limited production runs, unique cask‍ aging techniques, or exclusive collaborations. These⁣ factors contribute to the allure and collectability ⁢of⁣ the‌ whiskey, making them highly sought after by discerning ⁢collectors.

When determining the value of a Tullamore Dew whiskey bottle, several key aspects come into play:

• Age: Older ⁤releases ⁤tend to⁣ be more​ valuable, ‌as the aging process imparts exceptional flavors and character.
• Edition: Limited edition releases or special bottlings often command higher prices due to ​their exclusivity.
• Condition: Pristine bottles ⁤with​ intact packaging and labels fetch higher prices compared⁤ to those with wear and tear.
• Provenance: Bottles with an interesting⁣ history,‌ such‌ as those associated with famous events​ or individuals, can significantly increase their ⁣worth.

By delving into the ⁤chapters that follow,⁢ you ⁤will unearth valuable insights, hidden gems,⁣ and expert tips to navigate the intricate⁣ world of Tullamore Dew collecting. Whether⁤ you’re an⁢ experienced collector⁣ or just starting, this guide will empower⁤ you to make well-informed ⁢decisions and‍ build a remarkable Tullamore Dew collection that will leave enthusiasts green⁤ with⁤ envy!

Indulging in ​the art of ‌fine dining goes⁤ beyond just savoring delicious dishes; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. And what better way to elevate your next ⁢culinary adventure than with a carefully chosen⁣ whiskey⁢ pairing? Tullamore Dew, the renowned Irish whiskey, effortlessly complements a ​wide ⁤range of⁢ culinary delights, adding a touch‌ of warmth and complexity‍ to every bite.

Whether you’re enjoying a succulent prime ⁤rib or a delicate​ seafood dish, Tullamore ⁢Dew’s smooth and balanced⁤ flavor profile‍ stands as an ideal companion. Its gentle notes of​ toasted⁣ oak, caramel, and ‌vanilla‌ create a harmonious marriage ⁣with both rich, hearty flavors and‍ delicate, subtle tastes. The versatile nature of Tullamore Dew allows it to seamlessly enhance​ the nuances of ⁣a ‌perfectly ⁤seared steak, ⁢while also providing a refreshing contrast ⁣to the delicate​ flavors found in a seafood risotto.

Unleash⁤ your inner chef and ‍embark on ‌an exquisite culinary journey with Tullamore Dew as your trustworthy ally. With a history dating back to 1829, this‍ iconic whiskey brand has perfected the‍ art of distillation, ensuring that each bottle ⁣contains the richness and heritage of Irish whiskey-making tradition. So, next time you’re looking to elevate⁣ your ‍dining experience, reach for Tullamore Dew, and allow⁢ your taste buds‍ to savor the enchanting harmony created​ by ⁣this​ exceptional whiskey and your favorite culinary delights.

In conclusion, Tullamore‍ Dew offers a delightful Irish ​whiskey experience‌ that combines rich history, smooth flavor, ⁢and expert craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed⁢ neat or ⁢in ​a cocktail, it ⁤is sure to please whiskey lovers everywhere. ‌

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About Jessie Bolton

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Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience

Top ways to experience Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

TULLAMORE D.E.W. DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.34 km) Bridge House Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club
• (0.24 km) Harbour House
• (0.82 km) Tullamore Court Hotel
• (0.34 km) Kitty's Townhouse, Tullamore Town Centre
• (0.38 km) Newtown Inn
• (0.02 km) The Bond Restaurant
• (0.27 km) The Blue Apron Restaurant
• (0.17 km) Browne's Bistro
• (0.11 km) Indian Palace
• (0.16 km) Canton Regent

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience

Top ways to experience Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.34 km) Bridge House Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club
• (0.24 km) Harbour House
• (0.82 km) Tullamore Court Hotel
• (0.34 km) Kitty's Townhouse, Tullamore Town Centre
• (0.38 km) Newtown Inn
• (0.02 km) The Bond Restaurant
• (0.27 km) The Blue Apron Restaurant
• (0.17 km) Browne's Bistro
• (0.11 km) Indian Palace
• (0.16 km) Canton Regent

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience

Top ways to experience Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.34 km) Bridge House Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club
• (0.24 km) Harbour House
• (0.82 km) Tullamore Court Hotel
• (0.34 km) Kitty's Townhouse, Tullamore Town Centre
• (0.38 km) Newtown Inn
• (0.02 km) The Bond Restaurant
• (0.27 km) The Blue Apron Restaurant
• (0.17 km) Browne's Bistro
• (0.11 km) Indian Palace
• (0.16 km) Canton Regent

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.

But don't take our word for it..

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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!)

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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:

• Tullamore Dew vs Jameson – Which is the Best Irish Whiskey Brand?
• Jameson vs Jack Daniels Compared – All You Need To Know
• The Bushmills Red Blush Review – Is this Irish Whiskey Right For You?
• Bourbon vs Irish Whiskey – All You Need To Know
• Single Malt vs Blended Scotch: Your Definitive Guide to Fancy Whisky
• Larceny Bourbon vs Makers Mark: Choose Wisely. Start Here!
• Maker’s Mark vs Jack Daniels – The Full Brand Battle!
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The Whiskey Jug

A whiskey blog for whiskey reviews, whiskey cocktails and commentary

Tullamore DEW Review

Josh Peters · March 27, 2017 · 33 Comments

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When it comes to just regular old blended Irish Whiskey Tullamore DEW is one of the better options and one of my favorites to keep around the house for mixing and even sipping now and then. It has a heavier feel to it than many blends (Irish or Scottish) and carries with it a nice sense of malt despite there not being much. I don’t know exactly what they do different, but it’s great.

In Tullamore’s Words: Tullamore DEW

“Triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, this original blended Irish whiskey is known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity.”

There’s really not a whole lot else to say about this one so let’s just hop right on down to the Tullamore DEW review.

Tullamore DEW Info

Region: Ireland

Distiller: Tullamore Blend: Irish Single Malt Whiskey, Irish Grain Whiskey Cask: ex-Bourbon & ex-Sherry Age: NAS ABV: 40%

NOSE Honey, red apples, dried fruit, banana chips, toffee and a touch metallic and malty. It’s interesting and more dynamic than most other 40% chill-filtered Irish blends.

PALATE Honey, banana chips, red apple, toffee, earthy malt, nutmeg and a touch cinnamon and copper. The darker earthy notes are what help it stand out from other Irish blends on the market.

FINISH Medium fade out of malt, toffee, dried fruit and spice that fades out to a metallic and alcohol heavy note.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL Ok balance, medium body and a soft silken feel.

OVERALL Tullamore DEW is good as far as a standard Irish blend goes. It’s not wildly complex, it won’t blow your socks off, but it will mix well with cocktails and is perfectly drinkable neat. The darker notes that arrive in the aroma, palate and finish are a nice change of pace to the honied orchard fruit that typically dominates the blended Irish category making it at least mildly interesting.

SCORE : 83/100 (B)

Tullamore DEW Review -

Tullamore DEW isn’t a barn burner, but it’s not too shabby either.

• Palate - 83
• Finish - 83
• Balance, Body & Feel - 83

User Review

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33 Comments

I like this whiskey a lot. Not very expensive, but very tastefull.

I think you’re being very charitable with Tullamore. It’s a bit too rough for my taste.

All year long, I drink bourbon. Currently, I’m working on a Knob Creek 12 year. But, on St. Patrick’s Day, I always drink Tullamore D.E.W. My ancestors, on my father’s side, came from Roscrea, which is just 25 miles from the Tullamore distillery. I’ve always wanted to visit the ancestral home and also the distillery, but now I find myself 76 years old, and a trip to Ireland likely will never happen. I think the distillery dates back to 1829, so it’s likely my ancestors would have been familiar with it. Three Dermody brothers left Ireland for the U. S. in 1851 or thereabouts. A wee dram of Tullamore D.E.W. puts me in spiritual contact with all that history.

I hope you do find a way to get there Bill, but thank you for sharing this, Cheer!

I would take this and Bushmills white label anyday over Jameson. Redbreast 12 is still my favorite Irish Whiskey and my personal top 5 whiskey on the market.

That RB12 is a killer value too for how much flavor you get at that price point. Definitely one of my go-to Irish too. Cheers Eric!

Very nice reviews you have here Josh! Highly appreciated! I was looking for a good irish whiskey to gift my ex boyfriend now that I’m visiting family in Argentina, where I’m from. I bought my husband a Powers last year after tasting it at the Irish whiskey museum, and, though I’m not a whiskey person, that one caught my eye (and was easy on the pocket). After reading the review for the Powers (81/100) and for this one (83/100), I will def try the Tullamore for my ex, as I trust your thorough reviews. Cheers from a latina relocated in Dublin!

I hope he likes it and thank you Milena. Cheers!

Nice sweet honey taste with the bite of irish whisky, tried a bottle, nice with a little Real Lemonade especially Sainsburys at a £1 at the end of the day, a little special.

Irish Whiskey + Lemonade is such a great combo. We used to make them by the pitcher in the summer when I lived in UT and had folks over. Cheers Peter!

A number of years ago I combined a trip back home for the “Derby” and Mother’s Day. Louisville, KY is home and since I didn’t home as much as I would have liked I decided to splurge a little.

At a high end department store I found a “Waterford” crystal whiskey glass on “sale” for $75.00. Tullamore DEW was running a special promotion with their 750 ml porcelain jug. My late mother was extremely proud of her Irish heritage, her mother was a “Ford” and her father was a Murphy from County Cork.

If I had given her a winning million dollar lottery tick she couldn’t have been happier.

From that moment on when there was a special occasion of guest mom would offer a “wee dram” of Tullamore Dew” with great pride, and servings of not much than a “dram” each in the Irish tradition.

Thank you for letting me hare with you a wonderfully beautiful memory.

Richard, thank you for sharing this fantastic memory with us. I truly enjoyed reading this. Cheers!

My bad typo, it should read: “bourbon or”, and noy “bourbon of”. I tried to finish my comment while on a telephone call, my bad, poor multi-tasking on my part.

No worries and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like some of the other releases of Tullamore more than their baseline (like the 10). But by no means is it a horrible whiskey. Cheers Richard!

I disagree with the reviewer. I sincerely believe that Tullamore DEW is just about the best whiskey to come out of Ireland. And since I was born and raised in Kentucky I do know a thing or two about spirits. My late dear ole Irish Mother worked on the campaign which introduced “Maker’s Mark” to the world.

I can afford to buy virtually any whiskey I want and I choose Tullamore DEW as my first choice and Bushmills as my second. After that it will be a good Kentucky sour mash bourbon of a mellow single malt Scotch or a premium blend such as 15 year old “The Dimple Pinch”.

I was in Irland in 2019 my nephew was playing hockey there. In Belfast. We are from Canada. Is loved our trip to Irland. We also fell in love with Tullamoredew. I was wondering if you could ship me over a 40 oz bottle. We can only buy 20. Oz here in Canada and I’d like to get one for my husband for father’s day . Is this a possibility?

Hi Marleen,

That sounds like a lovely trip, I’m jealous, but I don’t work for the distillery. I’m just an independent reviewer of whiskey. Cheers! :)

I’m from Philly and grew up in an era where “boilermakers” were the standby for the local non-gentry (myself included.) At that time the beer was weak (Ortliebs, Schmidts, or – god forbid – Budweiser.) So, if you needed an express to get you closer to your destination you would add a shot or two of whiskey early on to accompany your brew. I’m now mostly a craft beer drinker. Like Jimmy Fallon, I’m thankful for craft beer because it gives my drinking habit an air of respectability. However, I still like the occasional boilermaker. Tullamore Dew has been my go-to for this for a number of years. Not Redbreast, but…

I love it, thanks for sharing this story Dan. Cheers!

My first taste of Tullamore Dew was in the early 80’s at the Skylon Hotel in Dublin. In an Irish coffee. Had to make sure I asked the bartender about this fine whiskey. Over the years I have alternated between Bushmills and Tullamore, both excellent. In the end I think I just like Tullamore better. I never mix it, preferring to sip it straight. Highly recommended.

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing Jerry. Cheers!

I first ran across Tullamore Dew almost 50 years ago. We took bottles of JB, Chivas, Jamison, Teachers, and Old Smugglers to do some comparison. Tullamore won hands down – and it was wonderful. So some friends and I made a commitment to this great Irish whiskey.

Then the importer quit importing it! A major disappointment. Every time I went into a liquor store I looked for the DEW. I bought one of the crocks and kept it closed for 50 years – what a treat when we finally opened it. The regular Tullamore is as good, if not better, than a lot of single malt Scotches and Irish. It is so nice to have it back in the stores and available.

That’s a fantastic story, thank you for sharing it Steve! Cheers!

Tullamore Dew

For me, a beginner in the world of Whiskey, the Tullamore Dew gave me different impressions at the first sip. It is very smooth and instantly reminded me a bit of monkey shoulder. As I kept the taste I got a bit softer and not as spicy (herby) as the monkey shoulder and more like the famous grouse though not as sweet.

I would recommend this one for those out there that would like something smooth and as a starter whiskey. What often happens to me, when I taste a very smooth whiskey is that I start to believe it’s cheap and low quality. This one did not do so for me, however I do feel it is lacking a certain punch to it.

My untrained nose picks up a fruity smell along with a hint of citrus as I’ve smelled those before.

Though it’s (almost) a sin, I also tried blending it with some coke, and it does as said in this review here; it blend well in a mix because of that smooth taste.

Out of my personal prefrences I would rate this 4 out of 5.

Thanks for sharing, love seeing what you think. Cheers Jorgen!

How long do you think they age this whiskey for? Thank and best regards

No idea, wish they’d tell us more, but the law is 3 years and 1 day minimum.

Hey, Josh I tried some and at first it was alright bit had this smell and taste that I’ve had before and it wasn’t good. Yeah i think I’m a bourbon guy. That’s all I can drink neat and savor. Although I am about to get a bottle of MacAllan Classic cut in a Local whiskey lotery. I do like scotch too but the price I hate. Cheers, my friend.

Yeah those prices are getting nuttier on the scotch side for sure. Cheers man!

• Pingback: Tullamore Dew Irish Blended – Selfbuilt's Whisky Analysis February 11, 2018

Been after a good go to cheap irish blend for a while. I really am drawn to this for some time. Everyone always goes for Bushmills and Jameson so I went in other direction. I thought the fact it is Malt, Grain and Pot Stilled in a nice idea for the blend. It was £16 on offer! Really happy with this and a lovely sip. The apples in nose, palate and finish make this really moreish for me.

Thanks for sharing, cheers Mike!

GREAT INFORMATION. .I HAVE A TILLAMORE DUE BLACK 43. HOW MUCH IS THIS WORTH. CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION ON IT?? CAN YOU HELP?? IN TOUR ARTICLE BLACK 43 IS NOT LISTED

I haven’t tried the black 43, but it’s a basic blend, worth about $20 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/16524/tullamore-dew-black-43

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Whiskeyfellow’s Substack

Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes

I get excited when I have opportunities to taste affordable whiskeys. Years ago, I started a #RespectTheBottomShelf campaign to find gems that fell under the radar of most folks more interested in the hyped whiskey du jour. Tullamore D.E.W. is affordable and readily available. Is it any good? My review, free to read, tells you everything you need to know. Cheers!

https://reviews.whiskeyfellow.net/2023/06/tullamore-dew-blended-irish-whiskey.html

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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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Whiskeyfellow

Search this blog, tullamore d.e.w. blended irish whiskey review & tasting notes.

I get excited when I have opportunities to taste very affordable whiskeys. Years ago, I started a #RespectTheBottomShelf campaign. The idea was to find gems that would fall under the radar of folks more interested in the hyped whiskey du jour . It has been a successful campaign; I’ve discovered delicious Bourbon, Rye, Irish Whiskey, and Scotch that fit the bill.

When I first delved into Irish whiskey, I had an opportunity to try Tullamore D.E.W. , and to be blunt, I wasn’t a fan. I couldn’t put my finger on what I found unappealing and left it alone until recently. Part of the #DrinkCurious lifestyle is visiting and re-visiting things I was not too fond of years ago, understanding that my palate is constantly maturing. Everything deserves a second chance (and sometimes, a third).

What’s Tullamore D.E.W. all about? The story began in 1829 in the Irish town of Tullamore.  Michael Molloy was the founder, and his nephew took the reigns when Michael died. The distillery hired Daniel Edmund Williams at the ripe age of 15 as a stablehand. By the time he was 25 years old, he was running the whole shebang as its distillery manager.

Did you catch his name? That’s where the D.E.W. comes from!

Tullamore D.E.W. is a blend of three different whiskeys:  A 100% malt, a Pot Still (malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still), and grain whiskey. That blend is aged in former Bourbon barrels and sherry casks for at least four years, as it carries no age statement. It is chill-filtered and packaged at 40% ABV (80°), the minimum amount of alcohol required to be legally called whiskey. You can expect to spend about $24.00 on a 750ml bottle.

I grabbed a 50ml taster at one of my random liquor store visits for this review. Will my opinion of this Irish whiskey change with my more refined palate? Will this be a super-affordable jewel? The only way to find out is to crack it open and start the tasting.

Appearance : Served neat in my Glencairn glass, Tullamore D.E.W. presented as bright gold. A medium rim disintegrated into tiny, sticky droplets glued in place.

Nose :  Have you smelled butter before? That’s the first thing I picked out. Apple, banana, honey, and milk chocolate followed. When I pulled the air in past my lips, vanilla rolled across my tongue.

Palate :  I found the texture to be buttery with a medium-weighted body. The front was fruity with apple, melon, and honey, while the middle offered vanilla and mineral water. The back featured oak, toffee, and metal.

Finish : The medium finish consisted of clove, oak, and toffee, joined by mineral and more metal.

Bottle, Bar, or Bust :  There are certain flavors I’m not a fan of, and some are offensive. One such instance is metal. I may be more sensitive than others, but I just don’t like it. While I’m trying to overlook it and appreciate the remainder of what was in the bottle, I can’t get past it.

Would Tullamore D.E.W. make a good mixer? Perhaps. But, as I’ve said many times, I don’t recommend whiskeys as mixers; they have to stand on their own. While I wanted to like Tullamore D.E.W., it isn’t for me, and as such, it takes a Bust .

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle  = Buy It
• Bar  = Try It
• Bust  = Leave It

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.

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Thirty-One Whiskey

Independent and impartial reviews of the best (and worst) spirits on the shelf.

Whiskey Review: Tullamore Dew Caribbean Rum Cask Finished Irish Whiskey

I like whiskey, and I like rum — so it would make logical sense that a combination of these two spirits would be even more delicious, right? That’s the same logic that Tullamore Dew has used for their latest creation: a version of their Irish whiskey that has been finished in Caribbean rum casks for a little extra complexity and flavor.

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The distillery in Tullamore, Ireland was established by Michael Molloy in 1829. It did well enough, and on Molloy’s death it passed to his nephew to continue running. That nephew hired a man named Daniel E. Williams as the general manager, and it was under Williams’ management that the distillery took off and became wildly profitable.

A number of factors weighed down the distillery over the years, though, from American prohibition to the trade wars that followed Irish independence. In 1954, the distillery was forced to close its doors for good but the trade name was sold to the Irish Distillers group, who had a distillery in Middleton, County Cork and they restarted production.

The name was then further sold to William Grant & Sons of the United Kingdom in 2010, who saw potential in the brand and decided to invest heavily in expanding and reinvigorating its operation. The very first thing they did was construct a brand new distillery in Tullamore which opened in 2014 and uses only pot stills to produce their spirits (trucking in column still produced grain spirits from the old Middleton distillery).

The name Tullamore Dew, more specifically denoted as Tullamore D.E.W., pays homage to Daniel E. Williams, the distillery manager who put their product on the map all those many years ago.

• Learn More: What Is Irish Whiskey?

Tullamore Dew is a rare breed in that it is a mixture of three types of whiskey.

The first is a traditional malt whiskey, which uses 100% malted barley that has been fermented and distilled three times.

The second source of spirits is “pot still whiskey” which, in this context, means a mixture of malted and unmalted barley that has been fermented and distilled three times.

The last source of alcohol is grain alcohol, which is spirits made from things other than malted barley (like corn or wheat).

For their standard product, all three methods are used and the end result is blended together before being matured in a series of casks including previously used bourbon barrels and previously used sherry casks. This specific version goes one step further by then placing the newly made whiskey into previously used Caribbean rum casks for a little bit of extra maturation and to pick up some of the flavors of the casks.

Once the whiskey has matured for an undisclosed period of time, it is bottled and shipped out the door.

I always appreciate the Tullamore packaging, as they manage to avoid my pet peeve of unnecessarily large labels. I can understand fancy artwork and historical nods, but there needs to be a valid reason for a large label. In this case, the label is confined to the top half of the bottle, leaving plenty of room for the whiskey within to be seen.

As for the bottle itself, there isn’t much spectacular about it. The body is roughly rectangular with a wide front and narrow sides, rounding nicely at the shoulder to a medium length neck. The bottle is capped off with a metal screw-on cap which, for some strange reason, is also protected by a foil wrapped.

Something a bit different here from the standard edition is that the color scheme is changed from the traditional green-and-gold to this tropical teal-ish blue. Not only does it make it easy to differentiate the sub-brands on the market, but it also just looks great.

There isn’t much indication on the label of where specifically in the Caribbean these rum casks came from, which makes it a bit difficult to nail down the specific components that are being added to the spirit here. On the aroma, the first impression I get is that of the typical marshmallow or raw sugar component that you see in a lot of rums, combined with some vanilla and baking spices probably from the Irish whiskey itself.

What’s interesting about the flavor of the spirit is that I think the rum and the Irish whiskey aren’t actually getting along — I think the host is rejecting the donor flavors. The combination of rum-like marshmallow and the floral Irish spirit components leads to something that is very close to, but not exactly like, bitterness. It feels like the flavors are fighting it out instead of complimenting each other, which is a bit of a disappointment.

As for the flavors themselves, up front I’m getting that same marshmallow sweetness followed by some floral blossoms and honey, and a bit of sourdough bread at the end. Those flavors all develop and increase in intensity until there’s an odd tingling on the lounge as the pitched battle for flavor supremacy is fought. It isn’t necessarily unpleasant, just a bit strange.

As you might expect (and as we’ve seen in other Tullamore unique barrel experiments ), the barrel aging flavors pretty much drop out of the running once the ice gets added to the party. Those components just aren’t quite as well saturated as the other flavors in the spirit and tend to be flighty as a result, turning tail as soon as a little bit of adversity (i.e., ice) rears its ugly head. It makes these bottles interesting as sipping spirits, but not as great as you’d imagine for mixing.

Pretty much what we’ve got here is just the standard edition of Tullamore Dew , although with just a hint more sugary sweetness. It isn’t necessarily all that noticeable, but comparing the original and this version side by side there’s just a hint of brown sugar and marshmallow in here that makes it through despite the ice.

Overall Rating

There are some flavor experiments that do very well and succeed. And there are some flavor experiments that I appreciate for the attempt but probably won’t try again. This is definitely the latter.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong here, it just isn’t the best drinking experience. I think the rum flavors are playing a little too aggressively with the Irish whiskey components and as a result the flavor is a bit unbalanced. It is still perfectly drinkable, but I would actually prefer the original over this version.

Overall Rating: 2/5 An ongoing battle between the Irish whiskey and the rum aging components make this a bit unbalanced and less than ideal for sipping.

One comment

I agree one hundred percent.

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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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Review: Tullamore D.E.W. Trilogy 15 Years Old Irish Whiskey

As Tullamore works its way up the price ladder, let’s take a look at this new expression.

Incredibly rich on the nose, Trilogy offers notes of salted caramel, nutty amontillado sherry, and nutmeg — and comes across as surprising and exciting. Modestly sweet, it engages the senses without overwhelming. On the palate, both ample vanilla and sherry notes — well integrated — come to the fore, before the traditional, honey-heavy notes of Irish whiskey take hold. Notes of malted milk and mild chocolate notes make an appearance before the arrival of the finish, where the sherry is most present — mildly citrus but quite drying and a bit astringent. All good up until here, but then there’s an aftertaste that is a touch rubbery — something likely driven by the rum casks.

You can definitely taste all three cask varieties in Trilogy, but it’s the rum barrel where things seem to go astray. The rummy nutmeg notes up front work just fine, but that finish introduces a petrol note that detracts from an otherwise charming little spirit.

B / $80 /  tullamoredew.com   [ BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS ]

Tullamore D.E.W. Trilogy 15 Years Old Irish Whiskey

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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