TEELING SMALL BATCH IRISH WHISKEY

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

 

Teeling claims this as their “Flagship” standard whiskey and in an attempt to make “the most interesting blended Irish whiskey” they mature first it in used Bourbon barrels followed by a blending and and further time in used rum barrels.

Two things jump out at me about this nice expression from Teeling.

First, they are actively trying to make a whiskey that is interesting (refer to my many statements, “blah-blah-blah I love an interesting whiskey, blah-blah…) and I really appreciate that. Second, if you look at their site or their labels, they proudly and clearly state that the whiskey is “non-chill filtered.” That is so very important for flavor. Many of the largest producers of broad-market whiskey will chill their whiskey before filtering it, so to remove the oils that may cause any cloudy appearance. It is strictly a cosmetic endeavor. But, seriously, if you strip the oils from the otherwise finished product, you’re stripping at least some measure of flavor insodoing.

So. Yay, Teeling! The Whiskey Mistress thanks you, on both points.

The aroma on this Irish flagship is of sweet milk, vanilla, malt and fresh orange.

After breaking it with ½ tsp water, vanilla-orange comes to the forefront, with a hint of grassiness.

The mouthfeel is spicy – all over the top of the tongue, and the finish is of  bright orange zest and cinnamon, fading to lovely sweet marmalade on toast.

I have to say, the Teeling brothers are onto something. The Spirit of Dublin….indeed.

I will give this one an 85.