Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Special Reserve

Purchased this Irish whiskey in March, and it was $5 off that month making it $45 total. This was the first age-stated Irish whiskey I've encountered. It has a subtle aroma that is a combination of Scotch single malt and Irish whiskey. Although it is supposed to be a blend of whiskeys aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks, the Oloroso influence is minimal. I detect butterscotch, shortbread, vanilla, and oak spice. Classic Irish aroma with the sharp edges of young grain whiskey rounded out by age. Mostly vanilla and shortbread on the tongue, sweeter than it smells. Kind of reminds me of a Boston creme filling. The tannins from the oak and malt character emerge on the finish. It takes you on a little journey from sweet to oak spice to sweet again. Once again, barely any fruits detected from the Oloroso casks. Overall I think the whiskey is dominated by ex-bourbon casks and Irish blend, while the malt and Oloroso impact are muted. I think this is a fine whiskey. However, for the price I could've bought a number of Scotch whiskeys I haven't tried or bought the cheaper Bushmills 10Y. There's not enough here that compels me to buy this for $50. It is like an Irish take on a simple Highland single malt, which you can buy from Tomatin or Glenmorangie for less $$. I will point out that I really like the bottle and wood cork, may be one worth keeping after I'm finished.

A pleasant, fruity, and likable whiskey. My initial tasting was a small pour during a brief rain shower at dusk. It was fortunate it was a small amount, as gnats seemed drawn only to it, ignoring others' drinks. I only managed a couple of quick sips before insects began to swarm. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I've decided to try cigars again after a 34-year break. I can now confirm that a decent 92-point Rocky Patel robusto pairs exceptionally well with this D.E.W. The whiskey's sweetness creates a smooth combination with the milder cigars I have. Sitting outside on the backyard glider, positioned perpendicular to the wind, provides a very nice experience and keeps my clothes fresh. Apparently, my neighbors, who are friends, have noticed and will be joining soon. At 67 and fully retired, I find that the small joys are the most satisfying. In that spirit, sipping a 12-year-old blended Irish whiskey with good mouthfeel, taste, and a mild burn at 80 proof is one of them. Life is not only good, but it's improving all the time (as the song goes).

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old is a blended Irish whiskey that, unfortunately, doesn't offer much complexity or character. A mix of grain and malt whiskeys, it lacks the depth and smoothness one might anticipate from twelve years of maturation. The nose has faint hints of vanilla, green apple, and a touch of citrus, but they are underwhelming and short-lived. The palate is unexciting – thin-bodied with flavors of cereal, dry oak, and a trace of honey that does little to enhance it. There's a distinct lack of softness or balance, making the experience rather uninspired and occasionally even a bit harsh. Considering its price, Tullamore 12 Year Old seems significantly overpriced, especially when contrasted with other aged blends and single malts in a similar range. While it is drinkable, it doesn't provide enough flavor or refinement to justify the cost. Overall: 75/100. A forgettable pour that relies more on its age statement than actual quality. Acceptable for casual sipping, but don't expect much more.

Several aspects stand out when comparing this to the standard Tullamore. Firstly, and most importantly, is the texture. The body of this whiskey is noticeably creamy, especially compared to the original. This also benefits the palate, as the subtle viscosity allows more time for the flavors to emerge. Secondly, the striking chocolate note. This flavor is absent in the original. Here, it's very prominent, but it shares the spotlight with a clear increase in sherry spice, which also contributes to a more vibrant nose (though still soft and subdued). Overall, I must commend this whiskey as it represents a definite improvement over its younger counterpart. While superior Irish whiskies exist, the craftsmanship here is evident.

This whiskey, triple distilled and blended, has an average age of 12 years, matured in old bourbon and sherry casks, and is 40% ABV. I am tasting it neat. It has a pale golden hue in the glass with slow-moving legs. The aroma is light and sweet, with notes of grain and floral vanilla. The initial taste is of musty grain and sweet, mushy cereal, followed by oak, vanilla, and a bit of alcohol. It has a slightly saline and dry character with a thin mouthfeel. The finish offers some spice and grassy notes, which are pleasant but brief, with a subtle sourness (perhaps from the sherry?) that remains. This presents a classic Irish profile, not overly sweet, with that characteristic salinity and light sherry/bourbon oak notes. It ranks very close to Green Spot and Redbreast 12 in my estimation. Its flavors are less intense, offering a smoother Irish blend that is easy to drink. Adding ice dilutes it quite rapidly. I would be curious to experience this at a higher proof, like 45% or 50% ABV, though that would likely alter its character significantly.

The aroma is very subtly of almonds, followed by Demerara sugar, and what could charitably be called a burnt pie crust lurking in the background. The palate is somewhat heavy, coating the mouth without being overly thick, and has a bit more warmth than I'd anticipate for a 12-year-old at 40% ABV. Vanilla, honeysuckle, and canned fruit salad in light syrup (with its accompanying faint metallic note) are the most discernible flavors. The finish is brief but not abrupt, slightly warm, and consists almost entirely of the wood tannins I expected earlier. The mouthfeel is quite pleasant, but the flavor profile, or rather the absence of any distinct flavors, is a major disappointment. It works well in an Irish coffee, but so do Jameson Black Barrel or Bushmills Black Bush, which are more accessible, less expensive, and dare I say, taste better?