Under William Grant and Sons' ownership since 2010, Tullamore D.E.W. (named for sixty year employee and former manager Daniel E Williams) has six bottlings in its line. Today's advent calendar offering is the "Special Reserve," a 12 year old blend of triple distilled grain whiskey, malt whiskey, and pot still whiskey matured in bourbon and sherry casks for twelve to fifteen years. Originally released to the travel retail market it's now generally available.
Behind window #9: Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve, 40% alc.,£41/$62
C: Gold
N: Grain forward with window putty and Pineapple Kubes, some honey, some vanilla
P: Pronounced sweet fruit notes (pear and more pineapple) with a little vanilla and hints of ground nutmeg
F: Short and sweet with a slight astringency and lingering grain
In conclusion: It moves quickly across the palate and finish. The memory is of sweetness but there's little texture and few defining characteristics.
Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.