Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish
Tullamore D.E.W. · Tullamore Distillery
This is a cask finish that actually earns its secondary maturation. The demerara rum barrels add genuine complexity rather than mere sweetness, and the underlying triple-distilled blend has enough structure to hold it together. At this price, it's one of Irish whiskey's better-kept secrets.
Nose
Sweet caramel and vanilla lead, followed by tropical notes of banana and coconut from the rum cask influence. Underneath, a thread of green apple and buttery pastry keeps things grounded.
Palate
Smooth and medium-bodied with a surprising layer of dried fruit—figs and dates—arriving mid-palate. The rum cask influence shows as a warm honey sweetness, while malt character provides backbone. A whisper of clove spice appears near the finish.
Finish
Medium, with lingering honey and a coconut-tinged warmth that slowly fades into gentle oak.
- Distillation
- Triple distilled
- Maturation
- Initially aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, finished in first-fill Caribbean rum casks
- Single Pot Still
- No
- Chill-Filtered
- Yes
Cocktail Suggestion
Offaly Sunset — 2 oz Tullamore D.E.W. XO · 0.75 oz fresh lime juice · 0.5 oz coconut cream · 0.5 oz demerara syrup · Shake with ice, strain into a coupe, grate nutmeg on top.
Food Pairing
Banana bread with dark chocolate chips
Tullamore D.E.W. returned to distilling in its namesake town in 2014 after a 60-year absence, and this XO expression—finished in first-fill Caribbean rum casks—represents the brand's willingness to experiment with flavor while honoring its triple-distilled house style.
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