Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year Old Special Reserve Tasting Notes

	Tullamore D.E.W 12 Year Old Special Reserve Irish Whiskey
	Tullamore D.E.W/Sourced
	Blended Irish Whiskey
	40%

 

Tasting note compiled by Mark McLaughlin (@mark_whiskey)

 

Introduction

This 12 year old expression is one of the least talked about but yet most awarded whiskeys in Tullamore D.E.W’s portfolio. Since the closure of the Tullamore D.E.W distillery (B. Daly Distillery) in the early 1950’s, Tullamore D.E.W has been an independently bottled product, although now, under William Grant ownership, and with a new facility producing whiskey in Tullamore since 2014, we don’t expect that to be the case for too much longer.

Similarly to the Tullamore D.E.W Original Blend, this whiskey contains pot still, malt and grain whiskey components. Matured for a minimum of 12 years in a selection of bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry butts, it has been bottled at the traditional 40% A.B.V. The whiskeys are sourced through Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard) with the pot still and grain distillates coming from the Midleton Distillery and the malt distillate coming from Bushmills.

 

Color

Amber.

 

Nose (Aromas)

Instantly sweet & round, it gives you the impression of ‘good whiskey’ from the get-go, there’s notes like honey, zingy lime zest and sugared apples. When inhaling deeply it becomes quite clean and the grain whiskey is apparent, while inhaling softly you get a hint of those pot still spices, with nutmeg and clove.

 

Palate & Finish 

Nice wholesome texture, it coats the tongue easily with tremendous malt whiskey like fruit character, apricots, peaches and luscious juicy apple. Vanilla and charred oak showcase the distinct bourbon cask use, while there’s an abundance of nuttiness which dries the palate slightly, like almonds and hazelnuts. The texture falls away after a few seconds where you’re left with warming wood spices.

 

Verdict

This whiskey is well balanced with great texture and plenty of layers. It displays characteristics of all 3 distillates used and has a level of complexity that is hard to find at this medium price point. I think it’s a triumph but I know it’s a whiskey that divides opinion for many enthusiasts, you’ll have to try it and tell me your thoughts, but don’t bother if you’re going to complain about the A.B.V.

 

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