Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt

Peated Scotches are my preferred whiskies. My interest in them started with a first try of Ardbeg 10 at a Scotch event back in 2005, and I've been hooked since. Even Scotches with less peat taste good to me; perhaps not as good as superior unpeated Scotches, but I'd choose a mediocre peated Scotch over a mediocre bourbon or Irish whiskey any day. I can't pinpoint what it is about peat that appeals to me. It's simply my preference. I've been curious about Teeling Blackpitts since reading about it in Whisky Advocate this past March. I also cannot always explain why a particular bottle draws my attention, but in this instance, it's quite straightforward: the word "peated." My only prior experience with a peated Irish whiskey was Connemara, which a then-current but now former girlfriend specially ordered for an Irish-themed tasting in 2006. I recall enjoying it, but I sampled a number of Irish whiskies that evening, so the details are fuzzy. Since it's not sold where I live, I haven't had it again. Regardless, when Teeling Blackpitts was named Advocate's #3 of 2021 on their top 20 list, I decided it was time. I went to the liquor store and purchased a bottle. The presentation impressed me: attractive packaging, a sleek, dark black cylinder matching the name, housing a short, stout bottle with glass that has the build of a rugby player. The peat on the nose is subtle and refined, though I suspect this is only apparent to experienced peat drinkers. It might catch you off guard and be overwhelming if this is your initial encounter with it, as it's less intense than Islay but slightly more so than non-Islay peated Scotches. Beneath the peat aroma, however, are the classic Irish scents of apple, cereal grain, vanilla, and honey. Together, these create a floral fragrance that, while not groundbreaking, is very pleasing, with the peat eventually receding to allow the fruit to come forward. On the palate, the fruit and peat blend to create a flavor like barbecued fruit with a tropical hint, as if the apple has transformed into pineapple. It's comparable, I'd say, to adding pineapple chunks to a shish kebab. During the first few sips, the finish sees this barbecued fruit flavor gradually give way to a peaty saltiness, similar to Laphroaig 10 at the end. However, by the time I finished the glass, this had mellowed into notes of ginger and pepper spices. In summary, while I'm uncertain if this will convert peated Scotch enthusiasts into peated Irish fans, it offers a pleasant change of pace. It's generally more akin to Highland Park or Jura than Ardbeg or Laphroaig. If you're not yet drawn to peat but are curious, this could serve as an introduction. However, at $75, I find it difficult to offer a full, unreserved endorsement. It's not that I feel the price was excessive; rather, I believe it's just on the edge of being overpriced. I'm interested in trying other Teeling products, but I question if spending $65 on their single pot still is worthwhile when comparable options like Redbreast or Green Spot are available for the same price. Does anyone have opinions on that?

Nose: Immediate peat and smoke. However, this peat smoke is unique – not like Islay or other island Scotches. It smells like fried motor oil and cooked vegetables with a spray of paint thinner – and somehow, it works. These scents are apparent right away but also light and almost airy, not overpowering. Beyond the peat and smoke, you find vanilla, whole lemons, cut grass, and dried hay. Red and orchard fruits linger in the background. White wine, honey, communion wafers. A touch of floral notes. Apple juice. Palate: Bold, rich, immediately spicy. Caramel and vanilla mingle with earthy, hot smoke and cinnamon. Honey, vanilla cream, red fruit, and a splash of lemon juice. Salt and black pepper. Charred wood. Some of the softer white wine and honey notes reappear around mid-palate. The finish has more vanilla, cinnamon, earthy peat, and smoke. Slightly sour and bitter. Chili pepper spice builds and persists for a while. A little dark chocolate and sour fruit blend with the spice at the end. This is interesting, but many of the flavors are sharper than ideal. This makes it drink a bit young and feel more like an experiment than a dedicated effort to create a great peated Irish whiskey. Overall, it's very drinkable, but unlikely to be highly craved. A bit expensive, but worth trying.

The aroma is strongly halogenated and medicinal, reminiscent of a hospital swimming pool. It is accompanied by other peaty scents such as smoke and seaweed, along with some apple and malty notes. Upon tasting, it begins with ash, iodine, sweet caramel malt, cinnamon, and a floral note. It then evolves more into a malty caramel profile, but the ash and iodine remain. There's a subtle seaside breeze, but without the brininess found in many maritime Scotches. The finish brings forward more vanilla and caramel. The mouthfeel is light yet slightly oily, characteristic of many single malts I review. Overall, I'm pleased to have experienced this, but it's likely not worth the price compared to other peated whiskeys. It's dominated by ash and iodine, with a lack of herbal and BBQ elements.

An excellent whiskey that marks the best of the original output I’ve tasted from Teeling. Unlike Connemara, one of the few bottles I’ve emptied down the drain, the peat here is precisely integrated. It’s cool and minty on the nose with hints of heather, but leaves room for some faint apple and pear notes to emerge in the background. The peat starts sweet in the mouth before turning lightly peppery, substantial but not overpowering, and then it steps back to let the orchard fruit flavors shine. A delicate mix of apple and pears lingers on the finish alongside a sprinkling of ash. No black marks here, this is cracking stuff.

NOSE Peat, malt, alcohol, vanilla, dried banana chips, baking spices, dried apples, and a hint of honey. A young, sharp, peaty scent with sweetness underneath. PALATE Peat, caramel, malt, alcohol, vanilla, dried banana chips, baking spices, dried apples, and a hint of honey. Delivered crisply, similar to young peated Scotches, but a bit richer. FINISH Lingering -> Peat, fruit, malt, a little vanilla buttercream, and ash

Amazing iodine, smoky ash, and peat weight that pairs with the subtle fruit and shortbread of Irish whiskey as beautifully as it does with any Scotch I've ever tasted. The whiskey has a young character, but concerning this peat, it's completely unimportant. Those who enjoy peaty Scotch will appreciate this product. Extremely, extremely pleasurable