Teeling Single Barrel Series (US 2016 Release)

Port wine creates a sweet flavor that adds well for the flavor left from the bourbon casks, but the high ABV dominates.

Sometimes I think these distilleries take stock that didn't turn out so well and add extra maturation in unique casks, hoping it'll sell. This one is like a 6th year senior...he should've matured and graduated by now, but something is just a tad bit off. So apparently Teeling took a 12 yr old and matured it for an extra year in white port casks. Did you know white port even exists? I've had red port before, tawny and ruby, but never knew of white. Maybe selling casks is the way white port makes money, like Sherry I guess. Anyway...color is fairly light gold. Nose is strong paint thinner. I'm 80% nose, so this just isn't working for me. Palette is mild...peaches and breakfast cereals. Like Quaker Oats Peaches and Cream. Finish is loooooooong!!! Burns back of your mouth, astringent with an after taste of hazelnuts. Was this meant as a mixer? I've never had any mixers---just red wine and whiskey. Maybe this is meant to have with soda (haven't had soda in 5 years either). Would I buy this again? No. Where is the classic Irish whiskey that has tropical exotic fruits like papaya and mangoes? ( I'm Indian....those aren't exotic for me, but I guess it's exotic in Ireland). Irish whiskies I've had usually have this round rich fruity backbone. Too bad Teeling tried to model this after paint thinner instead of manages and papayas.