A long while ago, I hosted a whisky night where each person brought two bottles that they were willing to share. Some of us brought an old favorite, some brought something that might be new, and some brought something new along with an old favorite. The latter was how I found myself with a 1.75l of Tullamore Dew.
For me, the only Irish whiskey is made by Jameson, but since I’m a good host, I didn’t turn my nose up at this ridiculously large bottle of Tullamore Dew for two reasons:
- The bottle was from Big Jim, and even though he was in his early eighties at the time of this whisky gathering, this mountain of a Scotsman could out drink, out eat, and probably out punch me.
- Tullamore Dew is a blended Irish whiskey, and the principal whisky in this blend is made by Jameson, so it’s as close to Jameson as any blend can get.
Anyway, I found myself left with most of a handle, and while I have slowly made my way through the bottle, it occurred to me that I had never reviewed it. So before polishing the bottle off (and making room for two bottles that can take its place) here goes…
Tullamore Dew has a long and storied history dating back to 1829 with the first distillery in Tullamore, County Offaly. The distillery passed through several families over the 19th century, but it wasn’t until Daniel E. Williams took over as the general manager that Tullamore hit its stride (and added the general manager’s initials to the brand). The company suffered through the first half of the 20th century as international politics (war and prohibition) took a toll on the industry. Tullamore enjoyed a resurgence post-World War II: in 1953, Tullamore was bought by Powers who moved production out of Tullamore; in 1994, they were bought by the C&C Group; and in 2010, they were purchased by William Grant & Sons who have pledged to return production back to Tullamore.
Here is what William Grant & Sons has to say about their Tullamore Dew whisky:
The original blended Irish whiskey, known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. For one, it is triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, developing its distinctive smoothness. Secondly, being a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, it has a gentle complexity. The malt and the pot still whiskey we use give it citrus and spicy notes.
And here is my impression of this blended Irish whiskey…
- Appearance: Liquid gold with good legs.
- Aroma: Astringent, mint leaves and sweet grass.
- Taste: Sweet, a little syrupy with some spicy notes and lingering warming heat.
- ABV: 40%
While certainly not on a par with Jameson, Redbreast, or Midleton, Tullamore Dew serves its purpose as a solid blended whisky. I could certainly see the value of this in a cocktail or as a “gateway whiskey”. I myself have been working my way through this massive bottle with my patented Whiskey Water concoction (fill a pint glass with 2/3 water & 1/3 Tullamore Dew), a refreshing and enjoyable beverage during a long baseball game.
Categories: Booze Review, Tullamore Dew
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It's just the booze dancing... 
Wait just one minute….
What is that bottle doing in a Dexter-esque kill room?!!
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That’s nothing! You should see this: http://baconandlegs.com/2013/06/24/dexter/
Bloody as hell! In a delicious way of course.
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In my haste to zoom into the picture, I minimized the vase behind the bottle and made it appear as if I had placed a tarp around the bottle. Trust me; the only kill room will be the one I am lured into.
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Tullamore DEW is a decent, but far from mind blowing, whiskey. I used to enjoy it much more, but that was before I tried Redbreast and the others you mentioned. And for the record, Whisky Water is tasty but deadly. I suck em down wayyyyyy to easily.
So when is Big Jim coming back? Or should we just hop a flight and pay him a visit?
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I think the Dew is a bridge between beer and top notch Irish whiskey. As I said, I would prefer Jameson, Red Breast (especially the 15) or Midleton (Barry Crockett was fantastic) but now we are jumping the price point. For the cost, you would be hard pressed to beat the Dew. And, at only 40% (only 40%, do I have a problem), it still packs a punch.
I think Big Jim hits 88 this year so it is unlikely that he will be back in the States. I second your idea of a road trip (notice how this road trip is now totally your idea … plausible deniability).
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I agree. This is a very sippable whisky, but it doesn’t hold up against the others you mentioned.
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Agreed. But for the price, it is still, as you say, very sippable.
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I absolutely love the phrase “gateway whiskey”. There might need to be a sampling of this in the near future.
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There are better gateways. What’s your flavor preference?
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I am certainly not as well versed in whiskeys and could probably stand to learn a lot. When given the finer opportunities, Bulleit or Jameson are always enjoyed.
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Then I’d say you’re off to a great start! The possibilities are endless.
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I find the Dew a bit more smooth than Jameson’s. This is my first time with the Dew and its very sippable.
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I picked up a bottle of the Dew bottled at 55% ABV. My Pappy thought that was the best whiskey he had during a recent session. Very sippable but with a lot of water.
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A tad overrefined for an average American bourbon drinker but it sips great.
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And, that is what I liked about it. Nothing fancy; just easy drinking
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