“Success comes not to those who desire it most but to those who care deeply about what they do and feel compelled to create.” Daniel E. Williams

Ever find yourself yearning for something simple? Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like grabbing a budget-friendly bottle. There’s a unique satisfaction in pouring a generous measure into a tumbler, something straightforward and unpretentious. A sip that brings joy without demanding much thought. That’s exactly what I went for with Tullamore D.E.W. Its new labelling caught my eye, and I knew I had to try it. This whiskey embodies that uncomplicated pleasure—a delightful companion for those moments when you just want to relax and enjoy a simple, satisfying drink.

When you think of famous Irish whiskey brands, Bushmills, Midleton, or Jameson might come to mind. However, you might overlook Tullamore Dew, a historic brand and currently Ireland’s second-biggest-selling whiskey. Tullamore’s story is one of passion and resilience.

Tullamore is a quaint town in Ireland with a close-knit community of nearly 13,000 people, where everyone knows everyone. The name “DEW” stands for Daniel Edmund Williams, one of Ireland’s most revered distillers. Starting as a stable boy at 15, Daniel’s remarkable journey saw him rise to become the Distillery Manager by age 25, leaving an indelible mark on the brand’s legacy.

Tullamore Dew’s origins trace back to Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, where the old Tullamore Distillery was established in 1829. The distillery thrived until 1954, when it closed due to declining sales influenced by factors such as Prohibition, the Anglo-Irish Trade War, and high taxes imposed by the Irish Free State. In the 1960s, the brand was sold to John Powers & Son, and production was moved to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork during the 1970s after a merger of Jameson and Cork Distilleries to become Irish Distillers.

In 2010, William Grant & Sons acquired Tullamore D.E.W, marking a new chapter for the brand. They built a new distillery on the outskirts of Tullamore, which opened in 2014, restoring whiskey production to the town after a 60-year hiatus. Significant growth was envisaged and William Grant & Sons opted to construct a new distillery in Tullamore, rather than depend on outsourced production. This revival not only honours the brand’s rich history but also brings its legacy full circle.

With annual sales exceeding 1,500,000 cases as of 2020, Tullamore D.E.W. proudly upholds its legendary status. Known for being the original triple-blend Irish whiskey, it features a blend of malt, grain, and pot still whiskies. This whiskey is triple distilled and triple cask finished, maturing in traditional refill barrels, ex-bourbon barrels, and ex-sherry butts. While Tullamore D.E.W. offers premium editions like the 14 and 18-year-old single malts, today’s review focuses on their most affordable and accessible option.

A quick note on the new packaging: the bottle’s curved design and the reintroduction of the Irish wolfhound on the label make it stand out in today’s fiercely competitive market.

Tullamore D.E.W Triple Blend

ABV: 40%

Price: £17

Nose: Quite grainy to begin with. However, there’s still lots of vanilla and honey to give it a sweetness kick—some hints of orange zest too with a little Madeira cake.

Palate: Toffee penny chews to boot with some vanilla bean. It’s a little peppery but subtle and not overpowering—some slight orange peel.

Finish: It almost finishes off on a custard-type note alongside the pepper which fades slowly. A last hit of some cola cubes for the win.

Conclusion

I’m honestly a creature of habit. If I have twenty quid to spend, I’ll typically opt for some White Bush, or if the offer is right, maybe some Black Bush. In pretty much every supermarket, you’ll get these options, and maybe throw in some Jameson. Even Paddy has been gracing the cheap and cheerful shelves. But Tullamore has surprised me here. There are similarities between the cheaper bottles, each showcasing what can be done with a grain blend, but Tullamore has shown me that it can easily compete in that cohort.

When it comes to the blend, there’s a nice combination. I’d call it the quintessential Irish mix. It’s got the sweetness, and the spice, and it’s so mellow you don’t need to dissect it layer by layer… because there aren’t very many! But that’s not the point here. This whiskey is all about simplicity, great flavour, and pure enjoyment. For the price, it’s a steal and worth every penny!

Score: 6/10