Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Re-tasted at Teeling Distillery post-tour tasting, May 11th 2024 My thoughts are similar to those from my second tasting (see below) but this whiskey seems to be on a downwards trajectory. The first time I tasted it (in 2018) I enjoyed it a lot. It had a plush, oily quality and a lot of fruit, butterscotch and vanilla notes. However it seems to be getting thinner and harder each time I try it. In 2018 I gave this 86/100 but in 2020 I dropped my rating to 83/100, and I'm lowering it a point again now. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars) ----------------------------------------------------------- Re-tasted in 2020 Nose: Butterscotch pudding, vanilla, crème caramel, baked banana, cloves. Palate: A sweet and spicy arrival with flavours of wood-shavings in the background. Caramel, vanilla (mountains of vanilla), bright tannic spices. Dark chocolate, butter and brown sugar. The texture is less oily than I remember from a couple of years back, but still OK. Finish: Medium/short. Spicy/sweet cereal with a mint touch. A little peppery tannin in the background. I enjoyed this single grain whisky the first time I tasted it in 2018 and again it has not disappointed, but the profile has shifted a little. In previous years it was creamier, more buttery and heavier on the palate. This time round (batch L20 004 016 / April 2020) I noticed more ginger spice notes and some sharp tannin. However it is still a good dram, and very honest in its presentation (un-coloured, non-chill filtered, 46%). There is a facet to it that is bourbon-like. Imagine a lean bourbon with a light fruity and woody character. It’s not surprising, therefore, that this is almost addictive when mixed with Coke as a long drink. For those of you who enjoy a bourbon and cola but always find it just a touch too sweet, try this. I originally rated this whiskey at 86/100 but I'm dropping that to 83/100 this time round. The official rating of 92 seems very generous ... this is worth somewhere in the low-to-mid 80s at most. “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

2023 Review I purchased this for an Irish Whiskey tasting. I had a quick hit tasting back in 2015 so I thought it proper to re-review under no time constraints. N:The nose is faint. Old school Cheerios cereal with red raspberries, banana pudding with a cinnamon sugar dusting. Initially, the ethanol slightly punch the nose. Time diminishes the barrier. P: A bit of dulled spice is the first to arrive on the palate. The too does diminish. Vanilla cream comprises the majority of the flavor. White pepper provides a soft bite. Morsels of dark chocolate and snicker-doodles. F: Afterwards, the tongue is coated with charcoal, pepper, mint and vanilla sugar. This remains for a fair length, but ultimately charcoal and mint. O: What is nosed and tasted is not vast. But what is provided is balanced; never falling too spicy or too sweet. A whiskey where less is more works for this dram. Easily a decent slowe(er) sipper especially with the extra punch at 46% Abv. It’s not (yet) outrageously priced. Not mind altering or life changing, but enjoyable. Comparative to the 2015 tasting, this has changed (for the better for me) or my larger exposure to whisky has helped discern aromas and flavor better. [86/100][$55][Tasted: 5/12/23] 2015 Review: This whiskey starts with a welcoming nose of toffee, graininess/cereal and hints of fruit. The palate is soft, revealing it's oak side, with the those same notes from the nose appearing on the palate. Finishes in the dry side leaving the mouth oaky. Overall, a decent Irish whiskey, but I found myself expecting more given I thoroughly enjoy their Small Batch brand. I will need to try again where there are less time constraints. [84/100][Tasted: Whiskey on the Hudson 2015]

First impressions: This whiskey pours with thick, fast legs and a slow, viscous trail. Nose: It kicks off with a delightful mix of vanilla, oak, and a floral touch, followed by some grain spice and oak tannins. There’s a hint of sawdust, cream soda, and maybe even a trace of marzipan. Palate: The real show begins with a spicy blast of black pepper, astringency, and a zesty lemon kick. It's got a wine vibe with some vegetal and grassy notes. There's an unexpected effervescence, red berries, and almonds. With a bit of water, a faint sweetness starts to peek through, but it's mostly all about the spice and a tad bit of bitterness. Finish: The finish keeps you on your toes with more spice, black pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. There’s a refreshing grapefruit tang, some sourness from grapes, and a touch of bitterness from the tannins. It's short to medium with a little effervescence lingering in the background. Opinion: The wine finish really stands out here. You can almost taste the wine influence, giving the liquid a fizzy, citrusy, peppery, and spicy character. This first pour is quite a ride, and I’ll definitely let it oxidate and revisit. Cheers!

I was very surprised with this one. I thought it would be much like a high corn Bourbon, but it was different. On the nose I got a tutti-fruity bubblegum aroma with cinnamon roll. It’s like going back to your childhood moments having a cinnamon roll for breakfast and then chewing a bubblegum. On the palate that cinnamon roll gets some almond nuts on top and the finish is a dry walnut. That was quite an experience. I stand corrected. I never thought a single grain whisky could be as good as a single malt. Oh, but was I wrong! Slainte Mha!

Nose: Burnt sugar, cherry, berries, lychee, hint of banana candy, melon, oak, hint of coconut, vanilla, hay, hint of rubber, charred wood. Palate: Berries right up front, bitter coffee note, brown sugar, vanilla, Marsala wine, and cinnamon Overview: A fun and unique take on the Teeling grain, the Cabernet Sauvignon adds a nice touch tho a bit strong, it does hide the youth of the spirit a bit. Still sharp and single minded but fun to drink and enjoy.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Light amber. Nose: Cornbread with honey. Palate: Thick mouthfeel with some mild baking spice. Finish: Medium heat but a great length. Mainly baking spice. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 6/10 - The nose is promising, but the palate falls short. The finish, while long, also doesn’t hold up. It’s a passable but not great Irish whiskey.