I first wrote about this new debut here back in August. Only 400 case for the U.S. in 2009. My formal review follows.
Tullamore Dew, 10 year old, 40%, $40
Tullamore Dew’s first single malt offering. A nice effort, too. Very much a different profile when compared to the rest of the Tullamore Dew line. Aged in bourbon, sherry, madiera and port casks. Vanilla-tinged malt, powdered sugar, light toffee, toasted marshmallow, with lush—yet contained—fruit (fruitcake, golden raisin, apricot in syrup). A firm, dry oak finish keeps all the sweetness and fruit in check.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 87
So this might actually be one to try. I’ve stayed away from Tullamore Dew so far, but this indeed sounds intersting.
If Barry Walsh is involved, it’s likely to be good. He’s a true gent too.
Sounds like fun, this one– all those casks– not for those who disapprove of finishes I suppose!..though I guess that’s mostly not Irish fans. A nice price too if it really ends up there– the only Irish single malt I’ve seen selling for less than 40 is Michael Collins, which gets mixed reviews.
John M, yes, I think that Barry Walsh might have been involved. If you know of those Tyrconnel wood finish expressions (which I REALLY liked), I think they might have been in the same “family” as this new Tullamore Dew whiskey.
Red, if anything, this whiskey might be over-finished rather than under-finished. There’s a lot going on in this whiskey. I like it better than Michael Collins.
Yes, the Madiera finish was the one I particularly liked. And I’ve heard the same story as you, John, regarding Barry Walsh.
John
Hi guys, happy to confirm that I did indeed put this one together. And tx for the compliment, John M. I will be officiating at the first public tasting of TD 10 Malt at the upcoming Interwhisky festival in Framkfurt, 21 Nov. Should be fun! hope the German whiskey fans will like it …
Hi Barry. Great to hear from you! Thanks for chiming in.
[...] John Hansell likes the 10 year old single malt from Tullamore Dew. [...]
Welcome Barry. I’ve been to a few tastings hosted by yourself and have always enjoyed them. I look forward to trying this.
John, now there’s another interesting guest blogger…
John M.: An excellent idea! I’ll approach him.
I was at the distillery on Wednesday, the 11th of November, the day the single malt Tullamore DEW was released and was given the priviledge of a taste. I believe I have the first bottle in the US in my possession. It is extremely pleasant and I will savor it for a long time.