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.