Teeling The Revival 15 Year Single Malt (Volume I)

Lovely lemon and straw scents on the nose. A delicate fruity palate -- think melon and pear -- that quickly cedes the spotlight to zesty wood and spice. The finish is long, with a sweet kick at the end. This is a complex whiskey that I would never have identified as Irish tasted blind. In the same class as the bottle of Yellow Spot I turn to when I'm in the mood for something different. Count me as another grateful beneficiary of the Pranay Whisky Wealth Redistribution Fund.

I have taken a liking to Irish whiskey as a (slight) alternative to Scotch. When tasting Irish whiskey, I have to remind myself that, though Irish and Scotch whiskey are inherently the same, they are not the same; they are cousins. That being said, I do try to compare apples to apples (or Irish to Irish) for comparative/experience purposes. That being said, this Teeling ranks high in my Irish experience. Pale straw in color, the nose is initially greeted with tropical notes, from the rum casks. This fades to a sweet cereal (Frosted Flakes), dried pineapple and honey. Rightly sweet. The first sip is instantly drying and spicy which causes an initial surprised reaction given the sweet nose. The sweeter side does eventually come through. Pears, honey, vanilla and a touch of brown sugar along with some herbal notes of ginger along with a pinewood-like quality. A zingy sensation remains on the palate with a medium length finish. Drying, with all the qualities previously experienced of oak, pears, vanilla/honey and ginger ale. As others have experienced, this has it’s cousins Scotch-like Dalwhinnie quality. Yet, it more closely has a sibling-like quality to Knappogue Castle 14. A very enjoyable whiskey that does not seem rushed or forced. Teeling, in my opinion, is becoming a Irish force representing craft quality in Irish whiskey. Lastly, I greatly appreciate Sir Pranay’s generosity allowing me the fortune of tasting this whiskey. Also as well as many others that I would have difficulty attaining or encountering. In addition, I find that this Distiller community has really encouraged the whisk(e)y experience for us all. It is nice to see the sharing of each of our personal stocks, without hesitation and with great pleasure. [Dry Glass: Butterscotch][90/100][Tasted: 1/28/17]

Nose: Pear cider, crushed pineapple, fragrant honey, fresh cut green pepper, dry white wine, ginger ale. Palate: starts with juicy sweet pear, then develops into zesty, spicy oak. Finish: less sweet, floral and looming resinous wood. From the total impression, it's character is somewhere betwixt Dalwhinne and a Macallan Fine Oak series (two old friends)... Many-long thanks to the skookum Pranay for the sample! Dry glass: strawberry ice-cream.

Smooth, light honey, reminds me of dalwhinnie. Hints of rum, alcohol bite follows in the finish. Good Irish whisky.

It's time to try another Irish whiskey: Teeling Whiskey Co's The Revival. It's 15 years old and spent a considerable amount of time in ex-rum casks. This one comes in at a slightly elevated 92 proof and is straw yellow in the tasting glass. The nose is pretty pungent, lots of vanilla and rum dominate here. There's some soft floral and sweet coconut hidden behind that rum. I had to give it a vigorous swirl and immediately slam my nose in there to really detect it, but it is there. On the palate, you get slammed quickly by oak and spices and hot, hot heat. The heat really attacks the tongue but it doesn't burn the nose like a cask strength. It's just a lengthy, zesty burn. It's quite different than any other Irish whiskey I've ever had. It's an eye opener and very enjoyable. The finish is incredibly long and hot. As your tongue finally begins to cool a bit you're left with a final, spicy blast that I actually had to chase away with a bit of water. Holy hell, now that's what an Irish whiskey should taste like. Beautiful. I'm not sure what an entire bottle costs or how difficult it is to locate one to buy. I'd like to have more, no doubt, but that said I don't think I could drink more than a single dram in one whisky sipping session. It's very powerful stuff. Thanks to Pranay for generously supplying this delicious sample. Cheers.