Teeling Single Cask Port Matured - Distillery Exclusive

I originally drafted this review two months ago and neglected to post it, so here it is. A connection from my GBS (Georgia Bourbon Society) provided this sample. They obtained it at the distillery in Ireland and I believe filled the bottle themselves. This is an 11-year-old single cask that underwent either full maturation or a finishing period in Port Wood. It's bottled at cask strength, 60.1% ABV, is non-chill filtered, and has a natural amber color with pink undertones. The specific cask is #11703. Initial nosing reveals strong alcohol presence, followed by honey and sweet, fruity Port notes. Hints of barley sugar, green grapes, and both fresh and preserved peaches, blueberries, and boysenberries are detected. Oak notes are present but less pronounced than anticipated. Powdered sugar and simple syrup characteristics are also noted. The sweeter notes subside, replaced predominantly by cereal and nutty elements, such as Honey Nut Cheerios, almonds, and Brazil nuts. Adding water enhances the cereal notes, introducing toffee and an unusual chalky sensation. The berry flavors persist but are not amplified; a slight mintiness and a touch of caramel are also present. The palate experiences warmth, though not as intense as the high ABV might suggest. A powerful flavor explosion occurs. It's very malty and grain-forward, with honey close behind. Notes of pepper, oak, and some barrel char are detected. The Port fruit flavors are fleeting, making them difficult to isolate. It's somewhat rich, yet also slightly bitter. Hints of peaches and berries are present, but other fruits are scarce, perhaps a touch of pear. Diluting with water reduces the warmth significantly. The oak becomes more pronounced, accompanied by more pronounced bitter tannins. The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied, with an astringent quality and warmth. It feels thick and chewy. The finish is medium-long, featuring berries, cereal malt, and honey. I generally do not favor Irish whiskey, and it appears that even cask-strength Teeling is not sufficient to persuade me of their value. This does not mean I will cease seeking out a commendable one, however. This particular bottling had positive aspects alongside less favorable ones. The cereal notes are overly dominant, and the Port influence is too subtle. A score of 3.25. Cheers.