John Quinn took the journalists through a tasting on Tullamore opening day. The tasting was conducted in a very atmospheric Irish Pub, two steps from the old distillery. Easy to imagine the old workers chatting over a pint or two, after their hard working day…
Tullamore Dew- 40%
The iconic whiskey of the range. A triple blend (malt, grain, pot still). Soft and mellow with creamy vanilla and fruit. Apple compote, soft spices. On the palate, typical Irish blackcurrant notes with honey and marzipan on the finish.
Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old – 40%
It was distilled in 1996 and contains 55% of pot still whiskey.
Again, a fruity character with cooked apples and orange marmalade. Milk chocolate and a hint of leather. The finish is medium long and dry with a gingerbread aftertaste.
Tullamore Dew Old Bonded warehouse – 46%
A pot still whiskey which has matured an extra year in sherry casks. Unchillfiltered.
The sherry influence is obvious on the nose. Christmassy character. Orange peel, raisin. A touch of vetiver, old leather and dark chocolate. Lots of toffee on the palate. The finish is dry and soft.
Tullamore Dew Phoenix – 55%
This whiskey has matured one more year than the previous one. It also has spent two years in sherry casks. Soft and mellow on the nose with a jammy character: damson plum, marmalade. The palate is crisp, rich and deep. Quite oaky and spicy. Cinnamon, nutmeg, blackpepper.
Tullamore Dew Phoenix Celebratory Edition – 55%
This is a special release celebrating the distillery opening. The small plus to the Phoenix: it has been finished in new American Oak for three months. Hence the grassy notes of lemon grass and vanilla. Citrussy, crème brûlée on the palate, a hint of rhubarb crumble and a dry spicy finish. But the nose is too sweet and the sharp alcohol bite numbs the palate.
This Special Edition is limited to a single batch (90 Euros).