Tullamore Dew 14 Years

Whiskey Review/Tasting: Tullamore D.E.W. 14 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Uncertain, but Tullamore D.E.W. is an Irish whiskey.
  • Type: Single malt whiskey.
  • Distillation: Triple distilled, indicating a cleaner distillation process with fewer aromas carried over from the stills.
  • Age Statement: 14 years.
  • Maturation: Four cask finish involving old bourbon, Oloroso sherry, port, and Madeira casks.
  • Color and Bottle Design: Not explicitly described, but the packaging includes tasting notes and the significance of the D.E.W. initials.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Nose: Very light, with faint vanilla and a little citrus.
  • Palate: Rich and sweet with layers of fruit, oak, and subtle spice. Stronger and fuller than the nose suggests.
  • Finish: Long-lasting sweetness.
  • Overall: The whiskey is described as having a vibrant and lively flavor profile with incredible fruitiness, ripe apples, sweet citrus, hints of tropical fruit, all enveloped in vanilla oak.

Whisky Storytelling

  • The Tullamore brand was acquired by William Grant and Sons, who built a new distillery in Tullamore, Ireland. The old distillery is now a museum.
  • The initials D.E.W. stand for Daniel E. Williams, the founder of the distillery.
  • The brand suffered during the U.S. Prohibition era due to uncontrolled branding, leading to the association of the D.E.W. name with inferior quality whiskey.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Tullamore D.E.W. has a rich Irish heritage, with its roots deeply embedded in the middle of Ireland.
  • The story of the brand's survival and evolution through the Prohibition era adds to its cultural significance.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "Very light on the nose... the taste is a lot stronger than the nose and there's sweetness, there's a lot of oak... now it's wonderful."
  • "So it's dangerously. Sipping whiskey. To have the good taste in your mouth, you have to drink and to drink and to drink. So be careful."

Summary

  • Tullamore D.E.W. 14 years is a triple-distilled Irish single malt whiskey aged in four different types of casks: bourbon, sherry, port, and Madeira.
  • The whiskey offers a light nose but a rich and sweet palate with a long-lasting sweet finish.
  • The brand has a compelling story, including its acquisition and the building of a new distillery, as well as historical challenges during the Prohibition era.
  • The whiskey is recommended for those who enjoy a rich and sweet flavor profile with a light nose, making it a "dangerously sipping whiskey."

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For Whiskey Enthusiasts: The complex maturation process and the rich, sweet palate make this a must-try.
  • For Casual Drinkers: The light nose and the sweet, rich taste offer an accessible entry point into more complex whiskeys.
  • For Collectors: The story of Tullamore D.E.W., along with its unique four cask finish, adds a valuable narrative to any collection.