Rating
Price
Circa £43
In A Nutshell
Impressive and undiscovered flavours wrapped up in a opulent creamy and rich finish.
If the Irish have something to prove, they might just have…
Teeling Whiskey was founded in the Liberties area of Dublin in 1782 by a bloke called Walter Teeling. This time was, apparently, the heyday for Irish whiskey – and this part of Dublin became known as the ‘golden triangle’ for the sheer number of distilleries to be found in a 1 mile radius. As we know, Irish whiskey fell out of favour and in 1976 the last distillery in Dublin closed. However, the Teeling family weren’t done, and brothers Jack and Stephen continue the family tradition, having recently reopened a distillery just a stone’s throw from the original site (I don’t know the exact date but I do know that they’re open for tours in 2015 – woo!)
All the Teeling whiskeys are bottled at 46% with no chill filtration – each bottle carries has Jack Teeling’s signature (I assume he doesn’t stand on the assembly line signing every one to come off but you never know), plus details of the casks used and the date of bottling. The Irish have been distilling stuff for more than a thousand years – before whiskey there was Poteen / Poitín (and Teeling apparently make one of these as well). This can be a lot stronger and as far as I know, is usually not aged.
The Single Malt is a blend of whiskies supposedly aged for up to (it’s always ‘up to’ isn’t it?) 23 years. Quite a mix of casks too: sherry, port, Madeira, white Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. This one comes in at about £43 a bottle and just look at that logo. Isn’t it just goddamn bodacious? Teeling also have a 26 year old single malt for around €475 – can’t say I’ve seen too many Irish whiskeys at that level, plus a 21 year Vintage Reserve at a ‘mere’ €152. Oho!
We Drink It, Stuff Happens
Nose
First impression? More alcohol evaporation than you’ve come to expert from ‘dem Irish whiskies – you get the impression that this may be a…strong willed one (pretend that it’s a tiny Irish person for a few minutes and indulge me)
There’s something kinda acrid or dry. Maybe cumin? It asserts itself next to the ‘regular’ whisky smells. There’s also a somewhat herbal, thing happening…hard to pick up but like menthol or mint. Sweet notes: honey, caramel – more ‘floral’ sweet notes than I’m used to in a whiskey. Perhaps raisins – could be some influence from the madeira casks?
Palette
First citrus, candied oranges? Lime preserve? Then yhat sour cumin note hits the tongue. The more I drink it, the more the cumin turns to menthol. Menthol without peat smoke? News to me! I’m already having fun. Much less smooth than your average Irish whiskey – or put another way, in possession of more ‘character’. Much more of a kick and much more stuff happening on the tongue. Impeccably rich and creamy.
Finish
Buttery/creamy (buttercream?) – oh myyyyyyyy (to quote Takei). The dryness tapers off after some time and you are left with that creaminess. It is wonderful. On that (delicious) note – the richness is actually closer to dairy cream, and not nuts – a rare flavour in my experience. In fact, it’s so very buttery that it diminishes the ‘sweet smoke’ that you get on the finish from most whiskies. Your final impression may just be of something very satisfying indeed. I know mine was!
Verdict
Not your typical Irish whiskey – might surprise people who think that Irish whiskies lack complexity or are ‘too smooth to be exciting’
Brings some of the complexity that you may traditionally equate with a more premium Scotch but doesn’t really have a stereotypical ‘regional’ taste that I can identify.
It’s like a mixed race dude wearing an assortment of clothing that includes the traditional dress of three different countries. I like this very much.
Also the price/novelty taste ratio is very reasonable! Blood good job, Teeling. More pls.