Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish

I finally took the time to review this very good expression of the Tullamore DEW line. This is Tullamore DEW finished in Caribbean Rum Casks and it is very nice and different. I bought this because I wanted something different one day and a good friend at the local store had just tried this and really enjoyed it. The bottle is very nice with light blue/aqua on the label and cap and the slightly darker liquid inside than regular DEW. The nose on this is really nice and different in that you have the traditional whiskey notes like caramel and honey, but then comes the rum notes with the sweetness of molasses. The body is still light as most Irish whiskeys are with the flavors rushing across your palate, but this stuff lasts a bit longer and is pleasant. The finish is longer as well with the rum sweetness giving way to the lingering whiskey notes of vanilla and a hint of oak with light brown sugar at the end. Now this is not the end all be all whiskey, but it does show that some risks are worth taking. The product is a very good marriage between the smoothness of Irish whiskey and the sweetness of rum and if you are a fan of either this may be a shot worth taking. In my area this is about $26 a bottle so if it is not for you it will not break the bank and if you like it then it is a medium cost bottle. Now, I have made Irish coffee with this and I was blown away at the flavor and I made a whiskey and coke and again I was impressed by the flavor. But it was nearly too sweet. All in all this is a great addition to my Irish whiskey lineup and as long as it does not get too expensive I will continue to stock it in my home bar. Enjoy!

Bottle computer marked L15210TD, 24/10/2022, 13:23. Sampled neat. A light orange-copper hue with substantial legs clinging to the glass. The aroma presents sweet grain, crisp apples, and grapes, complemented by floral jasmine, vanilla, and refined sugar. On the palate, it's SWEET, transitioning to sweet floral and tropical notes, then more sweetness balanced by a solid grain foundation. A subtle dry spice exists within the cereal grain, with a whisper of ethanol, but it's not prominent. The finish remains sweet, with a touch of orange citrus tartness/bitterness, and a faint minty tingle on the lips. The duration of the finish is short to medium. Considering its sweetness, the lingering aftertaste is agreeably, pleasantly, thankfully dry. I've previously tried the Tullamore DEW and the 12-year DEW, which were decent but ranked below my preferred Irish spirits (the Spots, and Redbreast). However, this expression is very good and rather unique, showcasing pronounced rum cask influences. Its sweet-and-floral-over-earthy character makes it easily drinkable. That's not a negative – not every whiskey needs to be a challenge. With ice, it becomes dangerously like punch, which has its merits and drawbacks. The more I sip this, the more I appreciate its distinct Irish blend profile. I can envision this as a pleasant late-night drink, a refreshing choice for a warm evening, or a delightful Whiskey Highball on a hot afternoon. Oh, I'm eager to experiment with that idea! I'll provide an update later.

I've been exploring rum, but have run through my supply and purchased more, so I need to broaden my horizons. I recalled a bottle tucked away in my cupboard, saved for an Irish tasting, St. Patrick's Day, or similar occasion: Tullamore D. E. W. XO Rum Cask Finished. I'm curious about how rum casks affect Irish whiskey. Out of the glass come bright apple, toffee, pineapple, banana, and subtle hints of brown sugar. Keeping in mind to seek out rum influences, I need to look beyond the apples to find a coconut sunscreen note, similar to what I've recently detected in some rums. My first sip immediately tastes like Irish whiskey: shortbread cookies, apples, toffee. There's more complexity. I detect burnt caramel, brown sugar, and white pepper. It also has a magical marker-like quality and a pleasant warmth. The flavor profile includes more notes I recognize from rum, such as molasses and overripe fruit. However, the burnt caramel is the most prominent element. The finish is medium-short, with lingering apple and toffee notes, accompanied by brown sugar and some allspice. As a whiskey, it earns a 78/100. As an experience exploring rum's influence: 85/100.

Nose: Prominent grain and ethanol, followed by traditional toffee and caramel, along with clear notes of tropical fruits and brown sugar. The rum cask is immediately obvious, but the higher proof is there to ruin the fun. Taste: Ethanol hits hard. This whiskey is much grainier than I would prefer. The extra proof was definitely a poor choice. Diluting this to 40% manages to rescue the dram, releasing the malt and rum cask finish. Toffee, tropical fruits, and brown sugar are well-balanced here. Finish: Long and hot. I can feel this going down all the way through my chest. It's not an unpleasant sensation though. There's something empowering about going through an experience like that. Final thoughts: I must admit that labeling this bottle XO was a very bold move. Don't be deceived. It tastes like 3 years plus a few months in rum casks for good measure. Not a bad whiskey, but certainly not one I would ever purchase again. Diluting it is essential, unless you simply want to cool it down or just mix it with whatever you prefer. I am inescapably tempted to compare this to Dewar's 8 Caribbean Smooth, which is definitely a superior release overall.

My objective rating is 3.75/5, though the value is at least 4.5/5! I generally enjoy whisky aged in Caribbean rum casks. While not as refined and rich as the Balvenie 14yo, it presents comparable notes of honey, sweet banana, sweet orange like tangerine, vanilla, and mild spices on both the aroma and taste. A very smooth, pleasing Irish spirit. Among the top recent releases for its price point. The 43% ABV and triple distillation enhance its positive qualities. Essential for the mainstream consumer.

Nose: Immediate fruit notes like strawberries and bananas, with a hint of orange peel - quite pleasant, a good start. Palate: The mouthfeel is rather thin, but it's packed with vanilla wafers and more citrus notes - left me wanting more, but still a nice dram so far. Finish: The finish is very brief and unremarkable, a bit disappointing after the nose and palate built up anticipation. Overall: This was acceptable. I'm glad I tried a sample before buying a bottle, as this is not something I would purchase again.