Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Re-tasted at Teeling Distillery after the tour tasting on May 11th, 2024. My impressions align with my second tasting (detailed below), but this whiskey seems to be declining. My initial experience in 2018 was very positive, noting a rich, oily texture with abundant fruit, butterscotch, and vanilla. However, it appears to be becoming thinner and harsher with each subsequent tasting. In 2018, I awarded it 86/100. In 2020, I lowered it to 83/100, and I'm reducing it by another point now. “Above Average”: 82/100 (3.25 stars) ----------------------------------------------------------- Re-tasted in 2020 Nose: Butterscotch pudding, vanilla, crème caramel, baked banana, and cloves. Palate: A sweet and spicy entry with background notes of wood shavings. Caramel, vanilla (copious amounts), bright tannic spices, dark chocolate, butter, and brown sugar. The texture is less oily than I recall from a few years prior, but still acceptable. Finish: Medium/short. Spicy/sweet cereal with a hint of mint. Some subtle peppery tannin in the background. I enjoyed this single grain whiskey when I first tried it in 2018, and it hasn't disappointed this time either, though the profile has shifted slightly. Previously, it was creamier, more buttery, and heavier on the palate. This time (batch L20 004 016 / April 2020), I detected more ginger spice and some sharp tannin. Nevertheless, it remains a good dram, presented honestly (uncolored, non-chill filtered, 46% ABV). It possesses a bourbon-like characteristic. Imagine a lean bourbon with a light fruity and woody profile. Consequently, it's almost addictive when mixed with Coke as a long drink. For those who enjoy bourbon and cola but find it slightly too sweet, this is worth trying. I initially rated this whiskey at 86/100 but am lowering it to 83/100 this time. The official score of 92 seems quite generous; this is worth in the low-to-mid 80s at most. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

2023 Evaluation I acquired this for an Irish Whiskey tasting event. I had a brief tasting experience in 2015, so I felt it appropriate to revisit without time limitations. Nose: The aroma is faint. It presents as old-school Cheerios cereal with red raspberries, and banana pudding dusted with cinnamon sugar. Initially, the ethanol slightly assaults the nose. Time reduces this barrier. Palate: A touch of muted spice is the first sensation on the tongue. This also diminishes over time. Vanilla cream makes up the bulk of the flavor. White pepper offers a gentle bite. There are hints of dark chocolate and snicker-doodles. Finish: Subsequently, the tongue is coated with charcoal, pepper, mint, and vanilla sugar. This sensation lasts for a fair duration, eventually settling into charcoal and mint. Overall: The aromas and flavors presented are not extensive. However, what is offered is well-balanced, never becoming excessively spicy or sweet. This is a whiskey where restraint leads to success for this dram. It's easily a decent slow sipper, especially considering the extra kick at 46% ABV. It's not yet outrageously expensive. It won't alter your mind or change your life, but it is enjoyable. Compared to the 2015 tasting, this has improved (for me) or my greater experience with whisky has helped me better distinguish aromas and flavors. [86/100][$55][Tasted: 5/12/23] 2015 Evaluation: This whiskey begins with an inviting aroma of toffee, graininess/cereal, and subtle fruit notes. The palate is soft, showcasing its oak character, with the same notes from the nose appearing on the tongue. The finish is on the dry side, leaving the mouth with an oaky sensation. Overall, it's a decent Irish whiskey, but I found myself anticipating more, particularly since I thoroughly enjoy their Small Batch offering. I will need to sample it again with fewer time constraints. [84/100][Tasted: Whiskey on the Hudson 2015]

Initial observations: This spirit leaves thick, quick legs and a slow, heavy trail. Nose: It begins with a lovely combination of vanilla, oak, and a floral hint, then comes some grain spice and oak tannins. There's a whisper of sawdust, cream soda, and perhaps even a trace of marzipan. Palate: The main event starts with a spicy burst of black pepper, astringency, and a zesty lemon note. It has a wine-like character with some vegetal and grassy elements. There's an unexpected fizziness, red berries, and almonds. Adding a little water reveals a subtle sweetness, but it's predominantly spicy with a touch of bitterness. Finish: The conclusion keeps you engaged with more spice, black pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. There's a bright grapefruit tang, some grape sourness, and a slight bitterness from tannins. It's brief to moderate in length with a touch of fizziness remaining. Assessment: The wine finish is particularly prominent. You can almost discern the wine's influence, lending the liquid a bubbly, citrusy, peppery, and spicy nature. This initial taste is quite an adventure, and I will certainly allow it to breathe and try it again. Best wishes!

This one was quite a surprise. I anticipated it tasting much like a high-corn Bourbon, but it was distinct. The aroma presented as tutti-frutti bubblegum with cinnamon roll. It evokes childhood memories of having a cinnamon roll for breakfast followed by chewing gum. On the palate, that cinnamon roll gains almond topping, and the finish is dry walnut. It was a remarkable experience. I stand corrected. I never imagined a single grain spirit could equal a single malt. But I was mistaken! Cheers!

Nose: Burnt sugar, cherry, berries, lychee, a hint of banana candy, melon, oak, a touch of coconut, vanilla, hay, a hint of rubber, and charred wood. Palate: Berries appear immediately, followed by a bitter coffee note, brown sugar, vanilla, Marsala wine, and cinnamon. Overview: A delightful and distinctive expression from Teeling's grain series. The Cabernet Sauvignon aging adds a pleasant quality, although it's a bit pronounced. It helps to mask the spirit's youth somewhat. Still sharp and focused, but enjoyable to drink.

Glass: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Color: A light amber hue. Smell: Cornbread accompanied by honey. Taste: A thick texture in the mouth with some gentle baking spices. End: Moderate warmth with a great length. Primarily baking spice. Added liquid: No new flavors emerge. Overall: 6/10 - The aroma is promising, but the taste doesn't quite measure up. The finish, though long, also lacks substance. It's an acceptable, but not outstanding, Irish whiskey.