14/03/2021
Tullamore Dew review by David, GM of Black Parrot ๐
Irish Whiskey Discovery Set ใ https://bit.ly/3e9EyX5
Join Lewis and The LDN Bar team lead the way in Irish Whiskey at our St Patrick's Day Masterclass ๐ค๐ฅ
Wednesday 17th March @ 7:30pm
In the lead up to The London Bar Consultants hosting a Irish Whiskey event with Liberated Liquid on St Patrick's Day I thought I would post some notes on one of my favourite whiskey dram, Tullamore D.E.W. X.O. Caribbean Rum Cask Finish.
Tullamore Dew Distillery dates back to 1829 and was founded in Tullamore, County Offlay. The D.E.W. in the name refers to, Daniel E. Williams, a former stable boy who rose up the ranks to Distillery Manager and eventually, owner. The original distillery was shut down due to the economic concerns that blighted all of Irish Whiskey production in the 1900's and the brand was sold to John Powers & Sons with production continuing at Middleton Distillery (you can still go and see the original pot and malt stills Tullamore D.E.W. used at the Killbeggan Distillery). In 2010, William Grant & Sons purchased the rights to Tullamore Dew and now, the brand new Tullamore Distillery, built in Clominch, near Tullamore, is the first new distillery of its kind in over a 100 years, housing six pot and malt stills, a giant three column still and can proudly declare it is the first grain to bottle Distillery in Ireland, producing all three major components of Irish blend in house; pot still, malt and grain as well as having an onsite capacity to home close to 300,000 casks.
The production of Tullamore D.E.W. is a blend of triple distilled pot, malt and grain whiskey. They use winter wheat as their grain of choice, unlike a lot of other distillers who will use corn, commonly imported from France - this is more expensive but harks back to the history of the brand as well as ensuring their carbon footprint remains as low as possible and adhering to the promise of being a grain to bottle plant.
The X.O Caribbean Rum Cask finish is a homage to the 50,000 Irish settlers (mostly indentured servants, tasked with working for a period of up to 7 years to pay for their passage across the Atlantic) who left Ireland in the mid 17th Century for the Carribbean bringing their spirit knowledge to early rum production.
Right now to the fun part, the whiskey itself!
Tullamore D.E.W X.O. Caribbean Rum Cask Finish is a blend of pot still, malt and winter wheat grain whiskey, all aged for at least three years in ex-bourbon, sherry and first-fill barrels. It is finished in ex-Demerara Rum casks. I'm afraid I don't have the length of finishing time but I believe it's between six months and a year, going by the finished taste.
On the nose you get hay, creamy fudge, dried fruit and a wee hint of spice.
On the palate, it's toffee-apple, vanilla, grilled pineapple and raisins, the spice begins to shine through, pepper and oak. Definitely getting those rum notes now.
The finish has touch more spice, a reminder of wine gums and a touch of orange zest.
Really lovely, it is one of my go to drops. Approachable whiile retaining depth of mystery still to be explored. Great for sipping and in cocktails. Tullamore Rum Finish Daquiri anyone?
Tullamore Dew will be part of our St Patrick's Day celebration. So if the above review has wetted your palate, you can join in on the St Patrick's Day event by clicking on the link below to purchase your set. It's bound to be fun, educational and a celebration of all things Irish!
https://liberatedliquid.com/shop/spirit/whisky/discovery-set-irish-whiskey/?mc_cid=4512ad20e7&mc_eid=c0271bea4e
