Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey

This is the value play in the current Teeling lineup, with soft, fruity, pleasantly sweet (but not cloying) notes backed up by distinct coconut and molasses overtones from the time spent finishing in dark rum casks. Like all Teeling whiskeys, this is different, but very pleasant—and in a good way. It’s really far better than the “professional” rating here suggests. The higher proof (92) provides a richer, more aggressive flavor profile than most 80 proof Irish Whiskeys. Still, if you want a more polished, woody, and traditional grain profile, Knappogue Castle 12 year oak cask is even better at the same price. It’s a whiskey and Bourbon drinker’s Irish dram. However, you favor a nutty, tropical fruit profile which compliments a more traditional blended Irish Whiskey mashbill, you’ve found your bottle in Teeling Small Batch. And it is good...

I’m a bourbon guy, so I like the higher proof but it’s not overly hot. The rum barrel finish adds a nice touch.