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.

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.

My sample comprised spirit aged for four to five years, half drawn from first-fill ex-bourbon casks with a quarter each from virgin American oak and ex-Oloroso sherry. Flavorwise, It delivers melting vanilla ice cream and white pepper on the nose, a fruity palate and a lightly spicy finish. A step up from Teeling Small Batch.