Introduction
For whiskey enthusiasts, Tullamore Dew Whiskey is an enticing choice. This whiskey is known for its unique flavor and smoothness, achieved through triple distillation and aging in sherry casks. The rich history and wide range of variations of Tullamore Dew Whiskey add to its appeal. It is also deeply connected to entertainment, such as movies and music, and loved by many. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in a highball, or in cocktails, Tullamore Dew Whiskey offers its distinctive flavor and quality in various drinking styles.
Let's explore the charm and history of Tullamore Dew Whiskey in detail.
Distillery
Tullamore Dew is a brand of Irish whiskey produced in the Tullamore region of Ireland. It was originally manufactured at the Tullamore Distillery but was closed in 1950 and is now produced at the Middleton Distillery.
Tullamore Dew is characterized by its clear and easy-drinking taste, achieved through the triple distillation process, which eliminates the raw flavors from the ingredients that are typical of Irish whiskey. It is made from two types of barley: malted barley and unmalted barley.
Tullamore Dew is the second most popular brand in terms of sales, following Jameson. It is highly regarded by experts for its delicate, smooth, and pleasant maltiness.
History
Origins of Tullamore Dew
The origins of Tullamore Dew can be traced back to the distillery founded by Michael Molloy in Tullamore in 1829. The distillery was eventually passed on to Molloy's nephew, Bernard Daly, and Daniel E. Williams was appointed as the distillery's manager. Under Williams' careful supervision, the distillery expanded and flourished, leading to the release of Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey, named after his initials.
Cessation and Resumption
In 1954, the distillery ceased production due to various factors such as Prohibition, the Anglo-Irish Trade War, and high taxes introduced by the Irish Free State. As the whiskey stock became depleted, instead of reopening the distillery, the owners sold the brand to John Powers & Son, a distillery in Dublin. In 1966, John Powers & Son merged with two other Irish distilleries to establish Irish Distillers and in the 1970s, they closed down the existing distilleries and consolidated production at the newly built New Midleton Distillery in County Cork.
Acquisition by William Grant & Sons
In 1994, Irish Distillers sold the brand, including Tullamore Dew, to the C&C Group to focus on the sales resources of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Subsequently, the C&C Group sold the entire liqueur and spirits business, including Tullamore Dew, and in 2010, it was acquired by William Grant & Sons for 300 million euros. At that time, Tullamore Dew was still being produced under license at the Middleton Distillery. The company decided to build a new distillery in Tullamore and produce it in-house rather than through outsourcing.
Construction of the New Distillery
The construction of the distillery was carried out in stages, and Phase 1 was completed in 2014, bringing whiskey production back to Tullamore after 60 years. The new distillery had the capacity to produce both malt and pot still whiskey. However, the continuous still required for the production of grain whiskey had not yet been installed. Therefore, Tullamore Dew became a blend of three types of whiskey, with the grain whiskey component for blending continuing to be supplied from Middleton until Phase 2 was completed.
Growth
As of 2015, the annual sales were approximately 950,000 cases, which had doubled since 2005.
Product Introductions
Tullamore Dew Original (40% ABV)
A blend of triple-distilled and grain whiskey, matured in bourbon and sherry casks.
Tullamore Dew Single Malt 10 Year (40% ABV)
A single malt whiskey matured in bourbon, Oloroso sherry, port, and Madeira casks.
Tullamore Dew Special Reserve 12 Year (40% ABV)
A blend of pot still and malt whiskey, matured in bourbon and sherry casks for 12-15 years.
Tullamore Dew Phoenix (55% ABV)
Named after a hot air balloon accident in 1785 that nearly destroyed the town of Tullamore. A blend with a high proportion of pot still whiskey, matured in Oloroso sherry casks. This product is available only at airport shops.
Tullamore Dew 15 Year Trilogy (40% ABV)
A blend matured in bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and rum casks.
Tullamore Dew Old Bonded Warehouse Release (46% ABV)
Released in celebration of the opening of the visitor center in the old bonded warehouse in 2012. This product is available only at the visitor center. Matured in Oloroso sherry casks.
Tullamore Dew Cider Cask (40% ABV)
A whiskey finished in apple cider casks. It was released in June 2015 and sold in airport retail stores. It is said to be the first Irish whiskey finished in apple cider casks. The whiskey is finished in barrels that have been used to store pressed apples for several months.
Tullamore Dew XO Rum Cask Finish (43% ABV)
A triple blend Irish whiskey made from pot still, malt, and grain using the original triple distillation process. It was finished in XO rum casks, which previously held Demerara rum and were initially filled with XO rum.