Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
92 Proof
Price Point: $35 – $45 for 750 ML
Distiller: The Teeling Whiskey Co.
Background
Irish whisky typically is not my forte. For a long time, my perception of whiskey from the Emerald Isle has been simple and accommodating. I’ve written before that most Irish whiskeys seem well-liked because most novice whiskey drinkers can handle them. There’s certainly a place for that, but I crave character and complexity.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey answers that need. Its high malt content and 6 months of additional rum cask maturation give it a little something extra on top of its countrymen (on paper, at least). Let’s see how it stacks up in reality.
Review
The nose on Teeling Small Batch starts out very Irish, but also very fruity and florally. It progresses to malty sweetness, and the rum cask finishing imparts vanilla/molasses sugar and toasted oak.
Teeling Small Batch is very tasty, like a much more flavorful Jameson. The rum cask is especially evident in the sugary sweet notes that develop on the palate. There’s tropical fruit here, reminding me of sipping cocktails on the beach in the Caribbean. The grain blended into the malt still exists, but it is subdued.
The finish is smooth and tasty. I get raisin notes and malt here, with some unexpected, subtle smoke.
Rating & Recommendations
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey earns a respectable rating of 85 out of 100.
This is one of the better Irish whiskeys available, and this is for an entry-level brand. Combine that with its unique traits to the genre (rum cask finish, high malt content), and you have a winner in my book.
-Ryan
2 comments
1 pings
Good evening, Ryan.
I purchased my bottle of Teeling Small Batch in North Conway NH on New Years Day, after finding it while rummaging through the Irish whiskey section on the New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet web site. The higher-than-your-average ABV for an Irish distillate, non-chill filtering and rum cask finishing make this a very different Irish whiskey. Irish whiskey drinkers who are accustomed to lower ABV might consider adding a touch of water and leaving it for a while to settle to tone down the high-proof harshness. Toning down the alcohol opens up the spirit and lets you taste the bourbon cask influences of spice and vanilla along with the undertones of dark rum and smoke. I was perusing the PA Liquor Control Board price list in preparation for a possible trip (and associated liquor run) to PA this summer & found Teeling Small Batch on the list. I was going to drop you an e-mail, recommending that you pick up a bottle to try but it appears that you beat me to it. Good on ya’.
Chuck
Bought a bottle today at a wonderful price ($30) and have enjoyed two drams this evening. While I usually add a tsp or two of water to a high ABV spirit, I resisted doing so in order to get an initial impression of this new whiskey. Surprisingly, it struck me as somewhat light in character in spite of its high ABV, something I can probably chalk up to the effectiveness of triple distillation, common for Irish whiskeys. Beyond that, I did enjoy a peppery note in addition to the sweetness provided by the rum cask finish. Next time, I will add a bit of water to see if the whiskey will open up to provide more notes of interest. In any event, worth checking out, especially if you can nab it as cheaply as I did.
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