Teeling Single Barrel Series (US 2016 Release)

I suspect some distilleries bottle stock that did not meet expectations, hoping for sales through additional aging in unusual casks. This one resembles a senior student who should have already graduated but is slightly off. Apparently, a distillery took a 12-year-old and aged it an additional year in white port casks. Did you know white port existed? I have tried red port types, but was unaware of white. Perhaps selling casks is how white port generates revenue, similar to Sherry. The color is a pale gold. The nose is strongly reminiscent of paint thinner. Since my sense of smell is highly dominant, this is not working for me. The palate is subtle, featuring notes of peaches and breakfast cereal, like a particular brand of peaches and cream oats. The finish is exceptionally long, causing a burn at the back of the mouth with an astringent quality and a hazelnut aftertaste. Was this intended for mixing? I have never used mixers, only red wine and whiskey. Perhaps it is meant to be consumed with soda (I have not had soda in five years). Would I purchase this again? No. Where is the classic Irish whiskey with tropical fruits like papaya and mangoes? (While these are not exotic to me as I am Indian, they might be considered so in Ireland). Irish whiskies I have sampled typically have a rich, rounded fruity foundation. It's a shame this one was modeled after paint thinner rather than fruits.

It's tough to rate this 3 stars. I'm a fan of Irish whiskey. I typically enjoy Teeling...or at least I have a strong affinity for Teeling. I'm also a fan of single cask/barrel whiskies. So why does this one feel so wrong? I suspect the cask influence is the culprit. I wasn't very familiar with Carcavelos wine (similar to white port)...I knew white port was a thing, and even had some in Lisbon over a decade ago, but it's not something I consume often. And, wow, it dominates this bottling. On the nose? Ripe white peaches, and not much else. On the intensely hot palate? White peach. Dilute it a little to reduce the burn? You can probably guess the answer. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoy peaches - they're a favorite of mine, particularly white peaches. I even appreciate stone fruit notes in whiskey - it's uncommon, and often a pleasant addition. But this isn't subtle; it's incredibly pronounced. I anticipated more from this release, particularly considering the cost. It's not terrible, but it's still a disappointment.

Port wine imparts a sweet flavor that complements the notes from the bourbon casks well, but the high alcohol content dominates.

A friend really likes this.