America, known for Freedom, Democracy, and Large Portions but perhaps less well known for its love of Irish Whiskey. Today, the US is the largest market for Irish Whiskey, with Irish Whiskey sales growing at a record pace since the turn of the century
Join Tim Herlihy, Tullamore D.E.W. US Brand Ambassador as he explains why Irish Whiskey has become so popular, its future and the unique ways Americans enjoy Ireland’s favourite export. Tim will highlight some of America’s best Irish Whiskey bars and pubs as he guides us through Irish Whiskey US renaissance
Tim has been based in the US introducing Americans to Ireland’s native spirit for 4 years now, travelling State to State and bar to bar showcasing all Irish Whiskey has to offer
But that’s not all! We will also preview the new Tullamore Distillery before the Society’s visit to Tullamore in 2015 with Distillery Ambassador Jane Maher and we will taste Tim and Jane`s favourite whiskies, old, new, rare and some surprises.
You have asked us for more details on this event. So here it is!!
Six whiskies will be enjoyed on the night. We want to surprise on the night and therefore won't reveal the actual whiskies yet. But here is some hints. Can you guess the whiskey? One of these whiskies is only available to purchase in Tullamore. One of them is not available in the Irish market. One was just released to celebrate the opening of the new distillery and only 2014 of them will be available to purchase. One of them was a limited addition released last year to celebrate the history of the town. Also there`s a excellent 12 year old whiskey in there. Lets not forget the Tullamore D.E.W. original, no secrets there, you can't have a Tullamore D.E.W. tasting without that in there.
Tullamore D.E.W. will kindly have a surprise gift for everyone.
There will be a welcoming cocktail on arrival. James Murphy of D.I.T. Cathal Brugha Street and his students will mix the cocktails on the night. James is well known in the bar and beverage industry. He is a past All Ireland cocktail champion. He is a respected author and has written a number of books in the bar and beverage management field. The most recent been Principles and Practises of Bar and Beverage Management - The Drinks Handbook.
Whiskeys
1. Tullamore DEW Original - This is triple distilled and made of three blends. It is a “traditional” Irish whiskey with a clean taste that is sweet and with hint of apple and cinnamon. Three elements make up this blend. First is a grain whiskey, which provides the sweetness. Next is single malt that adds the fruitiness. Last is a bit of potstill that provides the spiciness. Aging is done in Bourbon and Sherry casks.
2. Tullamore DEW 12 Year Old Special Reserve – Again, this has three distillations and three blends. Also aged in Bourbon and Sherry casks, but with a bit longer aging in the Sherry casks. Hints of chocolate occur on the nose and taste.
3. Tullamore DEW Old Bonded Warehouse – A very smooth triple blend and triple distillation that is only sold at the visitor center in the new distillery. It is aged one more year in Sherry than the 12 year old which gives if bit of raisin or sultan taste, with a bit of spiciness. A very enjoyable whiskey.
4. Tullamore DEW 14 Year Old Single Malt – An 8 month finish in Sherry casks makes this special. On the nose it has a welcome floral scent. The taste is very smooth but with a dryness to it. Sadly, it is not sold in Ireland but rather is distributed in travel shops around the world. As you travel, keep an eye out for it.
5. Tullamore DEW Phoenix – The name of course comes from Greek mythology about a bird that was reborn and arises from the ashes of its predecessor. In 1785 a hot air balloon crashed to the ground in Tullamore and about a third of the town was burned to ashes, the world’s first recorded air traffic incident. The original Tullamore distillery was later built on the location. This new blend was launched in 2013 to recognize the original distillery. It has a 55% ABV and has higher potstill content that delivers a friendly creaminess.
6. Tullamore DEW Phoenix Celebratory - Also at 55% ABV it is one year older than the regular Phoenix but is a limited edition single batch production. Only 2,014 bottles have been produced. It is finished for 3 months in virgin American oak casks that result in a very pleasing vanilla/toffee flavor.
We took the customary vote for most favored and hide a tie! The Phoenix and Phoenix Celebratory came out with equal number of votes. You could not go wrong with either one.
