Logo of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey.

Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

Region
  • Ireland
Awards
  • ‘Master’ medal at the Irish Whiskey Masters., Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013, Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2013
Website
  • https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-us/
Phone Number
  • +353579319760
Address
  • Clonminch, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 E027, Ireland

Tullamore Distillery entrance with symmetrical architecture.

History of Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

Founded in 1829 by Daniel Edmund Williams in Tullamore, Ireland, the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery has a storied past rooted in tradition and innovation. Williams, who began as a stable boy, quickly rose through the ranks to become the Distillery Manager by age 25.

The Early Years and Founder’s Vision

Daniel Edmund Williams’ vision and passion for whiskey-making were pivotal in establishing the distillery’s reputation for quality. His unique approach to whiskey production, focusing on quality and craftsmanship, set a high standard for the industry.

Revolutionizing Irish Whiskey

The distillery is celebrated for introducing the world’s first triple-distilled, triple-cask-finished, triple-blended Irish whiskey. This innovative process contributed significantly to the distillery’s reputation and helped establish it as a major player in the global whiskey market.

Growth and Global Recognition

Over the years, Tullamore D.E.W. has grown to become the second-largest brand of Irish whiskey. Its commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous awards and a strong following among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

The Distillery Today

Currently, Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery continues to thrive, blending traditional methods with modern techniques. It remains a symbol of Irish heritage and craftsmanship, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The distillery’s impact extends beyond whiskey production. It has played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of Tullamore and Ireland. The legacy of Daniel Edmund Williams continues to inspire and influence whiskey makers globally.

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery stands as a testament to the enduring quality and innovation of Irish whiskey. Its rich history and continued success showcase the timeless appeal of a truly exceptional spirit.

Awards Won by Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

12-Year-Old Special Reserve: This whiskey was honoured with the ‘Master’ medal at the Irish Whiskey Masters.

Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013: This award is highly respected in the spirits industry, indicating exceptional quality.

Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2013: The ISC is a significant competition, and winning a gold medal is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality.

Tullamore D.E.W Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery offers visitors a unique and engaging experience, blending a rich history with the intricacies of whiskey production. Here’s an overview of what the distillery tour entails:

A Journey Through Whiskey Making

The Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery tour is a comprehensive exploration of the whiskey-making process. The tour, lasting approximately 105 minutes, takes visitors through the state-of-the-art facilities where they can experience every stage of whiskey production, from distillation to maturation.

A Warm Welcome

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a delightful Irish coffee. This introduction sets the tone for an immersive experience, connecting visitors to the rich Irish whiskey-making heritage.

The Still House

A key part of the tour is the visit to the Still House. Here, guests witness the heart of whiskey making, feeling the heat from the copper stills and firsthand the craftsmanship involved in distilling Tullamore D.E.W.

The Tullamore D.E.W. Snug

In the maturation warehouse, visitors find themselves amidst thousands of aging whiskey barrels. A highlight is the Tullamore D.E.W. Snug, a unique space within the warehouse where guests can ‘dip the dog’ and taste whiskey directly from the cask.

Personalised Whiskey Blending

An innovative aspect of the tour is the opportunity for visitors to blend and bottle their own unique whiskey, bringing a personalised touch to the experience.

Wildlife and Scenic Beauty

The tour also includes a ride on the ‘Tully Bus’ around the distillery grounds, offering views of the surrounding wildlife and scenery.

Whiskey Tasting

The experience concludes with a premium whiskey tasting, where visitors sample various expressions of Tullamore D.E.W., understanding the nuances of each.

Additional Information

  • The distillery is located in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland, and is easily accessible by road and rail.
  • Tours operate Monday to Sunday, with specific times for bank holidays. The visitor centre is closed during a brief period around Christmas.
  • The tour cost is €43.00, with a 10% discount for online bookings.
  • It’s advisable to book in advance due to limited availability.

The Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery tour is a well-rounded experience, combining educational elements with sensory delights, making it suitable for both whiskey enthusiasts and those new to the world of spirits​​​​​​.

Flask & Barrel Review of Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

As a seasoned whiskey collector who has toured numerous distilleries, I found my visit to the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery particularly impressive, meriting a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Here’s why:

First off, the welcome with an Irish coffee was spot on. It’s a small touch, but it set a friendly and warm atmosphere right from the start. The coffee was top-notch, a perfect blend of warmth and whiskey that prepped my palate for the tour ahead.

The tour itself was a deep dive into the world of whiskey, but presented in a way that was neither too simplistic nor overly technical. I’ve been on enough tours to know when someone’s just going through the motions, but here, the guide’s passion for whiskey was evident, making the experience both educational and personal.

The Still House visit was a standout. Seeing the shining copper stills and feeling the heat they emit was a reminder of the real art and science behind whiskey making. As a collector, I appreciated this hands-on approach to understanding the distillation process.

Now, the maturation warehouse, that was something else. Standing among those towering barrels of aging whiskey was like being in a cathedral of spirits. The aroma of the whiskey in the air was almost tangible. ‘Dipping the dog’ to taste whiskey straight from the cask was an unforgettable experience. At 67% alcohol, it was a powerful sip, but it really showcased the raw essence of what Tullamore D.E.W. is all about.

The opportunity to blend and bottle my own whiskey was a delightful addition. This personalisation is not something you see at every distillery and it added a unique, hands-on aspect to the tour.

The whiskey tasting at the end was the perfect conclusion. Trying different expressions of Tullamore D.E.W. helped me appreciate the nuances of each variety. It’s one thing to collect whiskey, but another to truly understand the subtle differences between them.

The only reason I’m not giving a full 5 out of 5 is because, as a collector, I would have loved even more technical details about the aging process and the specific profiles of different casks. But that’s just me being a whiskey geek!

What To Do Nearby Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

Charleville Castle: About 6 miles from the distillery, this enchanting Gothic Revival Castle is steeped in history and offers guided tours.

Lough Boora Discovery Park: Located around 9 miles away, this park offers walking and cycling trails, a sculpture park, and a fairy trail.

Church of the Assumption: Just 0.5 miles from the distillery, this church is known for its Neo-Gothic design and rich interiors.

Old Kilbeggan Distillery: About 8 miles from Tullamore D.E.W., it’s the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, offering various tours and whiskey tastings.

Clara Bog: Situated approximately 7 miles away, it’s one of Ireland’s largest and most unspoiled raised bogs, featuring a boardwalk trail.

Golf Courses: Within a 20-minute drive, you can find several golf courses including Castle Barna and Tullamore Golf Club.

Birr Castle: Around 13 miles away, this castle is famous for its historic telescope, beautiful gardens, and architectural marvels.

Tullamore Town Park: A short walk from the distillery, ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic.

Slieve Bloom Mountains: Located about 30 minutes away, these mountains offer scenic hikes and wildlife viewing.

Durrow Abbey: Around 5 miles from the distillery, this early-Christian site features historic monuments and an old abbey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Tullamore D.E.W Distillery?

Maunsell’s Tullamore: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 57 932 3394. Their address is Cloncollig Industrial Estate, Cloncollog, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 F9C9, Ireland.

Roma Grill Restaurant & Takeaway: This Italian restaurant has a rating of 4.5 stars. You can contact them at +353 57 932 1732. The restaurant is located at 51 Church St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 PX04, Ireland.

Mezzo Italian Restaurant: Another Italian restaurant, it boasts a 4.7-star rating. For bookings, their phone number is +353 57 932 9333. The address is Bolger House, Patrick St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 K0V8, Ireland.

What hotels are near Tullamore D.E.W Distillery?

Bridge House Hotel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +353 57 932 5600. Their address is Bridge St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland.

Central Hotel Tullamore: This hotel has a rating of 4.2 stars. You can contact them at +353 57 934 9300. The hotel is located at Main Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 Y7P1, Ireland.

Willow Wood House B & B: It boasts a 4.7-star rating. For bookings, their phone number is +353 1890 225 325. The address is Willow Wood, Ballard, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland.