Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey – Review

Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Four Cask Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey

80 Proof

Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML

Distiller: Tullamore Dew Company Ltd.

Background

This past Monday was St. Patrick’s Day, a day in which many people of Irish heritage (and many without a drop of Irish blood in their body) choose to enjoy the drink that may or may not be derived from the Emerald Isle – whiskey.

Although a few days late, I would like to acknowledge this “spirited” holiday by reviewing, you guessed it, an Irish whiskey.  Specifically Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old.

I reviewed this whiskey’s younger brother (Tullamore Dew’s standard expression) well over a year ago.  I was not overly impressed.  Let’s see if a little bit of extra time in the barrel, along with some unique maturing methods (for an Irish, that is; single malt, “four cask finish”), have improved upon this whiskey.

Review

This is the most complex Irish whiskey I have nosed to date (sorry Connemara and Redbreast).  Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old has the same classic Emerald Isle high notes, balanced out by rich sherry (blueberries?) and creamy cherry pie.

Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old starts out with honey and fruit.  It’s extremely well-balanced; smooth with just enough bite (impressive for 40%).  This whiskey is malty (obviously); a refreshing change of pace among grainy Irish whiskeys.

This is a tasty finish with green apples followed much later by berries.  A much longer finish than expected.

Rating & Recommendations

Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old is a very impressive Irish whiskey, earning a rating of 86 out of 100.

This edges out Redbreast 12 Year Old for best Irish whiskey I have reviewed thus far.  This is a complex whiskey I would put up against the better single malt Scotches.

-Ryan