Teeling Single Pot Still

N: Others describing grass and hay are spot on. But there's also a sharp fruit presence behind that. It's like a sour pineapple note, not always pleasant, but kinda interesting. Other softer pear and peach notes are there too, also tinged sour. P: Fruit forward, but quickly shifts spicy. It's baked pear, hint of pie crust, then caramelized cinnamon drizzle. The cinnamon spice evolves into more of a cracked peppercorn spice and lingers over successive sips. There's a bitterness in it that feels untethered to any particular flavor and also builds up over time. Feels out of place. Mouthfeel is heavy, a bit oily, but not quite enough to call it coating. I love the idea of buying Irish whiskey (especially single pot still) made in Dublin and not a product of the Irish whiskey cartel. But this isn't quite there yet. The sourness in the nose and bitterness on the palate both feel out of place and they detract from the experience, rather than add to it. Overall, I'm not sure if it's unfinished or overdone, but it's not as good as it could be either way. Still, it's interesting and shows promise. I'll try other Teelings, but don't want this one again.

This is way too young to be nearly the same cost as Redbreast 12, Green Spot, and Powers John's Lane. I did a comparison between this, Redbreast 12, and Powers John's Lane. This was nowhere near the quality compared to the other two, which have specific age statements. The color is a pale straw yellow. The nose is earthy, and it tasted more of grain and vanilla. No joke, this reminded me of a tehona-style blanco tequila on the nose. I get some lighter sweeter notes like white grapes and vanilla here and there. The mouthfeel is thin but there is a lingering spiciness. It's definitely one of the most earthy Irish I've tried, so I'll give it some points for uniqueness. It's definitely different than most Irish whiskey's for sure, but the price does not match the quality. I'm disappointed that I paid $60 for this. If this was closer to $45, I'd consider it, but I'd still take the $35 Teeling Small Batch over this. If you're considering buying this, spend a few extra dollars and get the Powers John's Lane or Redbreast 12 instead.

I visited the Teeling distillery last month, took in a tour (self-guided these days), and I got to sample this spirit and take some home. The overall impression of this single pot still is of a spirit too young yet to be considered good. The nose appears very young, grainy and chemically (is it the feints that smell more like that?). In addition to apples and superglue, I get a bit of a farmyard smell and detect grass and hay like the Distiller tasting notes highlight. It hits the palate hot and peppery, which is not unusual for a pot still whiskey. But I don't get much else other than a hot, young spirit - it could just as well be tequila. There is no finesse. You won’t find comparisons to John’s Lane or Redbreast. It is very much like a new make; a poitín taste. Who knows what the years will bring to this but for now I just think it's mediocre.

The nose is less complex but that is where the average ratings end for this liquid. The taste is like riding a open carriage in a hay field with fresh oak barrels on the air. The raw fresh cut of reality pours out of the glass. Don’t mistake oak for any degree of peat or smoke, this is unique and special. If you like the Teeling single malt this is a brother whiskey but with its own character and super powers. The finish carries the feel the taste pulls forward and lingers and helps the taste buds process the experience. A great dram for any evening of imbibing.

Nose: light sweetness, honey, vanilla, toasted cereal and grains, hint of a fruity or sherry note, spices, mild grassy or straw-like note. Palate: similar to the nose, honey, vanilla, toasted cereal, hint of orange/lemon citrus zest or peel, more presence of a spicy, herbal, white pepperiness and oak on the finish. Warm and smooth with a pleasant oily clinginess that keeps it lifted throughout the sip. Solid expression of an Irish whisky.

NOSE Vanilla cupcake, herbal spice, orange peel, touch grassy, touch copper, and light Smarties. Nice, easy, light aroma that’s bright and inviting. PALATE Butterscotch, malt, herbal spice, Cheerios, orange peel, oak, bits of cocoa, and copper. Warm, soft, and surprisingly oaky with a slight tannic punch coming through before the finish. FINISH Medium -> Honey, dried fruit, copper, herbal spice, and oak.