I recently attended a Tullamore DEW dinner & tasting where I was afforded the chance to try several expressions of the Irish whiskey brand.  Now, I get to spend a little time with the core expression.  This is a triple distilled blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskies and bottled at 40% abv.

Tullamore DEW is probably Jameson’s biggest competition.  Jameson is the best selling Irish whiskey in the world.  Sales figures are one thing.  The whiskey inside the bottle is another, and that is what’s important.

The nose is a bit restrained, with rubbing alcohol, spiced pear and slightly sour Granny Smith Apple.  The palate carries a bit of that funky pot still character, along with some light brown sugar mingled with sweet & sour apples and an anise note.  The mouthfeel is a bit thin, which is due to the low abv.  The finish doesn’t last too long, and carries a touch of spiced fruit.

Tullamore DEW is easy-drinking.  Maybe a bit too easy.  While I prefer a whiskey with a higher proof, I understand I don’t represent most of the whiskey drinking public.  What I do notice is Tullamore DEW has just a tad more character than Jameson, and I prefer it slightly over Jameson.  If you’re new to Irish whiskey, I’d probably suggest you start here.  7/10

Thanks to Tullamore DEW’s PR agency for the sample.  As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.