Tullamore unveils cider cask-aged Irish whiskey

William Grant & Sons has extended its Tullamore Dew range with the launch of the “world’s first” Irish whiskey finished in a cider cask.

Tullamore Dew has created what it claims is the world’s first Irish whiskey matured in cider casks

The limited edition Tullamore Dew Cider Cask, said to have a flavour of “toasted oak and cider sweetness”, is exclusively available in global travel retail.

To create the expression, William Grant aged the triple blend Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey in Bourbon barrels that previously held pressed Irish apples for “several months”, allowing them to ferment.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Irish apple harvest, Tullamore Dew Cider Cask Finish has limited production and is made only between September and November each year.

“To create and ensure a high quality, Tullamore Dew Cider Cask Finish, we select the finest apples during the Irish apple harvest, which are then freshly pressed to begin the journey of small-batch cider making,” said John Quinn, global brand ambassador for Tullamore Dew.

“The pressed apples are then held in oak casks for several months to create the perfect finish. As the cider fermented, the tart-yet-sweet notes infused the Bourbon casks, creating a layered complexity of nose and taste.

“We then replace the cider with Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey for a further three months of maturation. The result is an Irish whiskey, created to engage and delight the palate of true whiskey lovers.”

Bottled at 40% abv, Tullamore Dew Cider Cask is now available in global travel retail.

William Grant officially opened its new €35 million Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey Distillery in September last year following two years of construction work.