Tullamore D.E.W. whiskies

History

The original distillery was founded at the end of the 1820s. Daniel E. Williams joined it very young and ended up running and owning it at the end of the 19th century; his initials gave their name to the brand and to a much-remembered advertising slogan. With the crisis of Irish whiskey, the distillery closed in the middle of the 20th century, and for decades the brand was made at other distilleries. In 2010 William Grant & Sons bought it, and a few years later opened a new distillery on the outskirts of Tullamore, bringing production back to the town.

House style

Tullamore D.E.W.’s style is smooth and balanced: green apple, vanilla, honey, toasted cereal and a touch of spice. The blend combines pot still, malt and grain whiskey, all triple distilled, which gives it more complexity than many blends. It matures in bourbon and sherry casks. It uses no peat. It is light, easy and versatile. The versions finished in other casks add fruit or spice to the same base.

Where to start

Tullamore D.E.W. is the catalogue’s entry and a good gateway to Irish whiskey: smooth, fruity and with a touch of spice. You’ll like it if you’re after a friendly whiskey to drink neat, on the rocks or in an Irish coffee. If you like it, compare it with Jameson or Bushmills Original to see how the big Irish blends vary.

• Tullamore D.E.W.Blend · 40% ABV