Tullamore D.E.W. has announced the release of its honey liqueur in the U.S. The Irish whiskey’s Original label—a blend of pot distilled, malt, and grain whiskeys—is infused with honey from the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. According to the International Centre for Young Beekeepers the Czech Republic has 55,000 beekeepers, of which 33,000 are hobbyists, caring for 600,000 hives. The small, independent apiarists with their focus on quality are the source of the honey for this liqueur.
The expression is not new; it launched in four countries, including the Czech Republic, in 2021. But it’s now available nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $24. Irish whiskey fans might enjoy this sweet twist for a Highball, mixed with lemonade or ginger beer, or perhaps a Hot Toddy.
Among Irish whiskeys, the most famous honey-based liqueur is Irish Mist, which interestingly enough, comes from the town of Tullamore. Irish Mist was once owned by the Williams family, which also founded Tullamore D.E.W. It’s made from aged Irish whiskey, heather, clover honey, and aromatic herbs. Today, Irish Mist is owned by Campari, whose whiskies include Glen Grant, Wild Turkey, and Wilderness Trail, among others.
Whiskey-based honey liqueurs are far more the province of American distillers. They had a burst of popularity in the U.S. market about a decade ago, but they remain steady favorites today. All the major American whiskey players have them, including Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, and Jack Daniel’s, which is the fifth most popular flavored whiskey on the market, selling around 9 million bottles a year, according to our sister publication Impact.
