Teeling The Revival 15 Year Single Malt (Volume I)

Revival I, a brilliant use of rum casks has given this gem of a 15 year old whiskey lovely tropical fruit highlights that bounce off a solid and well rounded base. Hints of papaya and mango intermingle with coconut and condensed milk to build up to a lengthy finish of mixed peel and wisps of smoke.

Visual: Light amber/gold color. Medium legs that take their time sliding into the glass. Nose: Delightful nose of citrus fruit, Juicy Fruit gum, vanilla, caramel, and baking spices. Slightly earthy. Palate: Sweet and rich. It is not as grainy as the Teeling Small Batch, which I tasted alongside. It is darker, with a nuttier profile. There are some tropical fruit notes, as well. I detect papaya. I have a papaya tree in my backyard, and I sometimes notice an almost smoky character to the fruit, along with a richness and earthiness. I get those same vibes from the Revival. Finish: The finish is relatively long and warming – with the warmth expected from the 46% ABV, with less of a bite than the Small Batch, likely the result of longer maturation. The finish is less bitter than the Small Batch. Barrel spices are infused in the finish, which is longer than the Small Batch. Breathing back through the nose, more papaya is detected. Empty glass: Oak and toffee. I really like this whiskey. I wish I could find it locally. If I could give it a 4+ or a 5-, I would. I think I’ll stick to 4 stars; but a strong, solid 4 stars.