Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Special Reserve

A few things jump out here when you compare this to the standard Tullamore. First and (without a doubt) foremost is the texture. The body on this whiskey is notably creamy, especially when compared to the original. It’s to the benefit of the palate too, because the subtle viscosity allows more time for the flavors to reveal themselves. That’s where the second thing jumps out, and it’s that striking chocolate note. That note is nowhere to be found in the original. Here, its very prominent, but it does share the stage with a noticeable increase in sherry spice, which also lends itself to make the nose more vibrant (still soft and subdued though). Overall, I have to give this whiskey points because it is a notable improvement on its younger brother. There are definitely better Irish whiskies out there, but the craftsmanship worked well here.

Triple distilled, blended whiskey aged average 12 years in old oak bourbon and sherry casks, 40% abv. Tasting neat. Light golden color in the glass with thin coating legs. Nose is light sweet grain, and a floral vanilla. First sip, musty grain and sweet mush cereal, then oak, vanilla, and a some ethanol. A little saline and dry, with a thin mouthfeel. Some spice and grass shows up in the finish, which is pleasant but short with a hint of sour (sherry?) that lingers. Really, a classic Irish profile. It's not too sweet, has that saline quality, and light sherry/bourbon oak flavors. It rates fairly close behind the Green Spot and Redbreast 12 in my book. Less intense flavors, a calmer Irish blend. Easy to sip. Ice stretches it out pretty quickly. Would love to see what this looks like at 45 or 50 ABV, but then that would be a different whiskey.