Tullamore Dew 8 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey from the 1950's 43,0% alc by vol with OC

Tullamore Dew 8 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey - 1950s, 43.0%

Region: County Offaly, Ireland (original distillery before closure in 1954)
Age: 8 years (minimum age of the youngest whisky in the blend)
Type: Blended Irish whiskey (malt and grain whiskeys)
Alcohol content: 43.0% (higher than the usual standard of 40% at the time)

Sensory description

Colour:
Deep amber to mahogany, with a slight golden sheen - typical of extended maturation in used bourbon or sherry casks. Possibly natural colouring without modern additives.

Nose:
Complex and elegant with a blend of classic Irish lightness and mature oxidisation. Distinct notes of honeycomb, dried apricots and vanilla pod, underpinned by a subtle woody spiciness (cinnamon, cloves). Slight hints of old leather books, tobacco leaves and a hint of marzipan. The alcoholic sharpness is harmoniously integrated.

Palate:
Silky texture with surprising vitality. Sweet dominance of caramel and honey, accompanied by ripe dried fruit (dates, sultanas). In the background, subtle spices (orange peel, nutmeg) and a mineral note, possibly from the Irish water. The 43% alcohol lends a pleasant warmth without being dominant.

Finish:
Long-lasting and warm, with a hint of toasted oak, liquorice and a slightly smoky undercurrent (not peat, more woody and toasty). The sweetness remains present until the end, rounded off by a subtle bitterness that creates balance.

Historical context

• Era of the 1950s:The Irish whisky industry was going through a difficult phase, characterised by falling exports and distillery closures. Tullamore Dew was initially produced externally after the closure of the original distillery in 1954, making this vintage a testimony to the times.

• Blend philosophy:Traditionally triple-distilled, with a high proportion of grain whiskey for easy drinkability. The 8-year maturation period was unusually long at the time and indicates a premium standard.

Rating & rarity

• Quality: ★★★★☆ (4/5 - provided the bottle is intact)

• Rarity: Extremely limited - Tullamore Dew from the 1950s is a rarity today, especially with age statement
  

• Collector's market: Highly interesting for lovers of historic Irish whiskeys.

Recommendations

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (18-20 °C) or with a drop of water to open up the flavours.

• Storage: Upright, dark and cool - if the cork is intact, the whisky will keep almost indefinitely, but may lose freshness.

• Enjoyment: Ideal as a contemplation whisky or with dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa.

Notes on authenticity

• Label & closure:Typical 1950s designs feature sans serif lettering and simple colours. The original cork should not be broken.

• Provenance:As the Tullamore distillery closed in 1954, the whisky may have come from stock or partner distilleries. Experts such as Whiskyauctioneer or Bonhams can check the provenance.

• Oxidation: Older bottles tend to evaporate ("angels' share"), which can concentrate the flavours but also dry them out.

This tasting note combines historical researchwith typical profile characteristics of Irish blends from the mid-century era. An actual tasting impression could vary depending on storage conditions - notes of dried fruit and wood would be particularly prominent. 🥃