As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of experimenting with various spirits and beers to create unique and flavorful cocktails. When it comes to the classic whiskey old fashioned, Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is an excellent choice to elevate this traditional drink.
Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is a premium Irish whiskey known for its smooth and refined character. It is aged for 12 years in a combination of bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Madeira casks, which imparts complex flavors and depth to the whiskey. This aging process brings out rich notes of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits, and a hint of spice.
The boldness of the stout complements the smoothness of the Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The stout adds a velvety texture and depth to the cocktail, enhancing the overall drinking experience. It lends a roasted maltiness and a subtle bitterness that works beautifully with the whiskey's caramel and sherry undertones.
When making an old fashioned with Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve, I recommend using a stout that has chocolate or coffee notes to further enhance the flavors. The richness of the stout pairs well with the robust character of the whiskey, creating a drink that is both comforting and sophisticated.
To prepare this twist on the old fashioned, start by muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in an old fashioned glass. Add a splash of water to dissolve the sugar. Next, pour 2 ounces of Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve over the sugar and bitters mixture. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Now, it's time to add the stout. Slowly pour around 1.5 ounces of your chosen stout over the whiskey mixture, allowing it to cascade and mingle with the other flavors. This gentle pour helps create layers of flavors and textures in the cocktail.
Garnish your Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve old fashioned with a twist of orange peel or a Luxardo cherry to add a subtle citrus or sweet note to the drink. The aroma from the garnish will also enhance the overall drinking experience.
The result is a smooth, silky, and rich old fashioned that celebrates the true Irish characters of both Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve and the chosen stout. Each sip is a journey through layers of flavors, from the initial sweetness and spice of the whiskey to the roasted maltiness and bitterness of the stout.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of enjoying this combination at a whiskey tasting event, where a local brewery collaborated with a distillery to create a unique stout-aged whiskey. The resulting old fashioned was a revelation, with the stout adding a velvety texture and a depth of flavors that perfectly complemented the whiskey.
Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve is indeed an excellent choice for an old fashioned. Its smoothness and complex flavors pair beautifully with a stout, creating a drink that is both comforting and sophisticated. So, go ahead and give it a try, and savor the rich and delightful combination of Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve in your next old fashioned.