What Mythical Creature’s Name Inspired a Popular Irish Whiskey Brand?
Irish whiskey has long been a popular choice for drinkers around the world. From the smoothness of Jameson to the rich flavor of Bushmills, there’s a whiskey out there for every taste. But one brand stands out from the rest: Tullamore Dew. Like many Irish whiskeys, Tullamore Dew has a rich, complex flavor that’s perfect for sipping straight or mixing into cocktails. But have you ever wondered where the name Tullamore Dew comes from? Well, wonder no more. In this blog post, we’ll explore the mythical creature that inspired the name of this beloved Irish whiskey brand.
What is Tullamore Dew?
First, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Tullamore Dew whiskey? Tullamore Dew (pronounced “DEW”) is a blended Irish whiskey that’s been around since the late 1800s. It’s named after the town of Tullamore, which is located in County Offaly, Ireland. The “dew” part of the name is a nod to the town’s location in the Irish Midlands, where mists and fogs often appear, creating a dewy landscape.
Tullamore Dew is produced by the William Grant & Sons company, which also produces other popular brands like Glenfiddich and Balvenie. It’s made from a blend of triple-distilled pot still, malt, and grain whiskeys, and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. This aging process gives Tullamore Dew its signature deep golden color and complex flavor profile.
Now that we know what Tullamore Dew is, let’s take a closer look at the creature that inspired its name.
The Mythical Creature: The Dew
The creature that inspired the name of Tullamore Dew is, in fact, not a creature at all. It’s a type of weather phenomenon known as a dew. In Irish folklore, dew is considered to be a magical substance that has healing powers. It’s said that if you collect the dew that forms on grass or plants before sunrise on the morning of May 1 (which is known as Beltane in Irish mythology), you’ll have the power to cure ailments and protect yourself from harm.
So, where does the connection to whiskey come in? Well, Tullamore Dew’s founder, Daniel E. Williams, was known for his love of the Irish countryside and his appreciation for the beauty of dewy mornings. When he founded the Tullamore Distillery in 1829, he wanted to pay homage to this natural wonder by naming his whiskey after it. Thus, Tullamore Dew was born.
The Legacy of Tullamore Dew
Since its inception, Tullamore Dew has undergone many changes. In the early 1900s, the distillery was purchased by Powers & Sons, another Irish whiskey producer. In the 1950s, the Tullamore Distillery itself was shut down, and production of Tullamore Dew was moved to the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. The brand continued to change hands over the years, with ownership passing from C&C Group to William Grant & Sons in 2010.
Despite these changes, Tullamore Dew has remained a beloved Irish whiskey brand. In fact, it’s one of the best-selling Irish whiskeys in the world, with a reputation for quality and flavor that’s hard to beat. With its smooth, complex taste and rich history, it’s no wonder that Tullamore Dew has become a go-to whiskey for fans of Irish whiskey and spirits in general.
Tasting Notes for Tullamore Dew
Of course, no exploration of Tullamore Dew would be complete without a tasting note. If you’ve never tried Tullamore Dew before, here’s a rundown of what you can expect:
– Appearance: As mentioned earlier, Tullamore Dew has a deep golden color that’s typical of aged Irish whiskeys.
– Aroma: When you first smell Tullamore Dew, you’ll notice a sweet, fruity aroma with hints of vanilla and caramel.
– Taste: On the palate, Tullamore Dew is smooth with a slightly spicy finish. You’ll taste notes of honey, apple, and a subtle toasted oak flavor.
– Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingers on the tongue.
Overall, Tullamore Dew is an excellent choice for both sipping straight and using in cocktails. With its complex flavor profile and rich history, it’s a must-try for any whiskey lover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tullamore Dew is a beloved Irish whiskey brand that’s named after a mythical creature (or, rather, a weather phenomenon) known as dew. Despite changes in ownership and location over the years, Tullamore Dew has remained a favorite of whiskey drinkers around the world, thanks to its smooth, complex taste and rich history. So, the next time you’re sipping on a glass of Tullamore Dew, you’ll know exactly where its name comes from – and can appreciate the magic and wonder of dewy mornings in the Irish countryside. Sláinte!
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