Tullamore Dew 12 Year Special Reserve

Tullamore D.E.W. Special Reserve 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey is a premium blend from the Tullamore D.E.W. range, recognized for its smooth and complex character. It’s a step up from their standard blend, offering a richer and more nuanced experience.

Key Features:

• Irish Origin: Produced at the Tullamore Distillery in County Offaly, Ireland.
• Blend: A carefully crafted blend with a high proportion of pot still and malt whiskeys, along with grain whiskey.
• Age Statement: Aged for 12 to 15 years.
• Cask Maturation: Triple cask-matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry butts. This dual cask maturation contributes to its depth and balance.
• ABV: Typically bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).

Tasting Notes (based on various sources):

• Nose: Offers aromas of early spice followed by red wine notes, with a pleasant nuttiness and a light woody undertone from its time in oak casks.
• Palate: Presents a deep spice flavor with a robust yet creamy body, often described as having a distinct chocolatey note. Dried fruits and nuts accompany the chocolate, giving it a praline-like quality.
• Finish: Long and rich with lingering notes of citrus, chocolate, raisins, and marzipan.

Overall Impression:

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is a well-regarded Irish whiskey appreciated for its smoothness, complexity, and balance. The higher proportion of pot still and malt whiskeys, combined with the bourbon and sherry cask maturation, creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. It’s considered a fine aged whiskey suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails.

Awards (based on various sources):

This expression has received numerous accolades, including:

• Gold Outstanding: International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in 2021.
• Gold: World Whiskies Awards in 2019 and 2020.
• Silver: International Spirits Challenge in 2019 and 2020.
• Silver: International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in 2018 and 2020.
• Gold: Irish Whiskey Awards in 2019.

These awards highlight the consistent quality and appreciation for the Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve.