Irish Whiskey

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix Irish Whiskey
55% ABV
$54.99
Website

What the Distiller Says:
Today, Tullamore D.E.W., one of the world’s fastest growing Irish whiskeys, is proud to announce the release of a new variant, Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix. Born by the strength of a town who witnessed the first ever air disaster on record, the new limited edition Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix celebrates the ultimate courage and optimism of the Tullamore people, who driven by a positive spirit, rebuilt their town, and established the Tullamore Distillery in 1829.

It was May 10th, 1785, when the famous hot-air balloon fire occurred at Barrack Street (now Patrick Street) in Tullamore town. The accident created a huge inferno that destroyed much of the town. In the face of this destruction, the undaunted people of Tullamore rebuilt their town over the following decades, including construction of the Tullamore D.E.W. distillery on the very site of the disaster, and the subsequent introduction of its whiskey to the world. Building on that tradition of courage and optimism, they placed the phoenix symbol in the town’s coat of arms to signify a basic belief – ‘all will be well when you face life with optimism.’

“Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix pays homage to the incredible spirit of the people of Tullamore and reaffirms our commitment to the town and its people,” said Tullamore D.E.W. Senior Brand Manager, Cindy Wang. “The release of this new whiskey bridges the re-opening of the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre last year and the expected return of Tullamore D.E.W. to its hometown when our new distillery opens in 2014.”

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix packaging features the symbol of the Phoenix from Tullamore’s town crest and adorns streetlights throughout its main streets. The packaging design reflects the revamped styling of the Tullamore D.E.W. Original variant which highlights the heritage of the brand and gives founder Daniel E. Williams’ initials “D.E.W.” more prominence within the brand name. Phoenix is available in elegant gift boxes with cork tops and is perfect for holiday and special occasion gifting.

Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix just took home a Gold Medal at the 2013 Irish Whiskey Masters for its taste. It is an exceptional whiskey, with mellow complexity, deep leafy, malty notes and smooth vanilla oakiness. It is a limited edition high strength, 55% ABV triple distilled Irish whiskey and finished in Old Oloroso Sherry casks. It is a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, pure pot-still, malt and grain whiskey. It is non-chill filtered, and crafted to perfection in small exclusive batches. Each bottle is uniquely numbered.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Out of the bottle it’s very light on the nose. A little bit cereal and a wisp of alcohol. A bit of orange zest comes out with water.
Palate: Richer, sweeter, and creamier than regular Dew. It’s like Dew kicked up about four levels. Not watering it down does amazing things to the whiskey. Dark chocolate, vanilla custard, more cereal and a later dose of wood. Water makes it a little sweeter focusing in more on the vanilla custard than anything else.
Finish: Clean and mildly woody. The finish is pretty short. Water opens up the sherry notes in the finish.
Comments: More please! I haven’t reviewed any Dew on Whisk(e)y Apostle and I think I need to correct that in short order. This is a very tasty expression. Lovely sweetness overlaying oak and cereal notes this very Irish and very delicious. The higher proof and non-chill filtering do wonders for the dram. I used to not enjoy higher proofs in my Irish whiskeys because I thought they were too delicate to handle it. Redbreast cask strength and Dew Phoenix are changing my tone. There’s so much more depth here. You really need to try it.
Rating: Must Try

I would like to thank Kimberly and Sonia over at the Susan Magrino Agency for sending over a sample to review.

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
46% ABV
$250
Website

What the Distillery Says:
This whiskey represents Barry Crockett’s personal selection of fine and elegant whiskeys which have been distilled and laid down over the past 24 years.

The appellation Midleton is only bestowed on the finest distillates originating from this wonderfully divers distillery complex. The rare and exclusive bottlings carrying the Midleton name are much sought after and have become the coveted possessions of whiskey enthusiasts the world over.

Nose: Elegant aroma of vanilla and toasted oak complimented by a touch of lime, succulent green berries, pears and green sweet pepper

Taste: Light pepper carries on to fresh citrus, limes and mandarin orange sweetness. A hint of cinnamon with vanilla and oak reveals its years spent in American oak.

Finish: The full spectrum of flavours last well into the finish, slowly fading to expose the clean American oak foundation.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Regardless of the iteration there is that distinctive Midleton/Irish Distillers pot still character on the nose. Fresh cut grass, orange blossoms, and lemon zest.
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, fine oak, with hints of the citrus from the nose. This is rich thick and creamy. Mouth coating and delicious.
Finish: Lightly peppered and woody. Not over oaked, just a long slow wooded finish.
Comments: Damn amazing! If you’re going to spend $250+ on a bottle of Irish I’d go this way over the Jameson Rarest Vintage by a hair. The dram just grabs you and encapsulates you. Truely stunning. A benchmark in aged single pot still Irish.
Rating: Must Try

Powers Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey John’s Lane Release
46% ABV
$65 to $75
Website

What the Distillery Says:
This expression celebrates the origin of the Powers whiskey tradition and provides a glimpse of the whiskey style that made Powers famous. Using a pot still distillate which is true to the original style of John’s Lane, the whiskey has been matured for not less than 12 years, mainly in first fill American bourbon casks, with a small contribution of distillate which has been matured in Oloroso sherry butts.

The result is a Single Pot Still whiskey of outstanding flavour and complexity which provides a fitting tribute to the spiritual home of one of Ireland’s most loved whiskeys.

TASTING NOTES
Nose An abundance of earthy aromas, leather, tobacco with layers of charred wood, dark chocolate and treacle toffee.
Taste Full bodied spice front followed by vanilla, honey and dried apricot.
Finish Lingering honey sweetness on toasted oak.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Warm and inviting. Brown butter sauce and nutty.
Palate: Spicier than a normal Irish dram. Oily and lightly woody. A little orchard fruit but the pepper spiciness overwhelms the other elements.
Finish: Long, dry, and spicy.
Comments: An Irish Mr. Universe? Big, brawny, and ready to kick some ass.
Rating: Must Try