The Spirit of Dublin

// Disclaimer: All Whiskies have been sent to me by Teeling. All Opinions stated are still my own. //

A Distillery build for innovation

I have been given the opportunity to be part of a special Teeling Tasting. At the time of the tasting, three of the five Whiskies were part of Teelings core range and two were yet to be released. (By the time I am writing this, one has seen the light of day.)

Single Grain

This Single Grain is a combination of 95% Corn and 5% malted Barley. I got to try batch 01/2020 which has been aged for up to 6 years in ex Cabernet Sauvignon casks from California. 

Personal Tasting Notes:

Nose: The first thing that came to mind when smelling the Whiskey was the smell of red wine. An intense note of grapes and fruits with a sweetness following very closely. 

Taste: The taste follows the smell very closely. However there is also some oak spiciness in the finish.

Small Batch

The Small Batch too is a Grain Whiskey. Made from 75% Corn and 25% malted Barley. This one has been finished in Rum Cask and everything going into this Whiskey has been distilled in the new Dublin Distillery.

Personal Tasting Notes:

Nose: On the nose this one has strong notes of Vanilla and Caramel followed by some exotic fruits and an influence of rum.

Taste: The taste is a mixture of tropical fruits and caramel. The Whiskey stays with you for a long time and at points feels more like a rum then a Whiskey.

Single Malt

The Single Malt is ages in 5 different types of wine casks. White wine Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Madeira, Oloroso Sherry and Port. It has an age between 11 and 27 years so all of the stock used is from the 16'000 barrels of the Teeling family reserve and not from the new distillery.

Personal Tasting Notes:

Nose: The note that jumps out of the glass is green apple. Followed by dried grapes and coffee. 

Taste: The taste follow where the nose left and hits you with loads of fruit and then some caramel and vanilla sweetness. 

Plantation Pineapple Rum Cask Finish

Part of the many collaborations Teeling has done, this Whiskey is aged in barrels that held Plantation Pineapple Rum.

Personal Tasting Notes:

Nose: The first smell leaves no doubt that this Whiskey has been in pineapple rum casks. The waves of pineapple and exotic fruits that hit you make it clear from the start.

Taste: The taste too is filled with the notes of pineapple but towards the end there is also the taste of spices and leather.

Blackpitts

For me the highlight of the tasting. Peated Irish Single Malt. Oh and boy does it deliver. 

Personal Tasting Notes:

Nose: The first thing I thought when smelling this Whiskey was how similar it was to some Island Scotches. The combination of peat and salt was followed by dark red fruits creating and amazing nose.

Taste: The taste follows the nose. Earthy, salty peat intertwined with dark red fruits leave a long and lingering impression. What a glorious Whiskey.

In the end I want to say a special thanks to Chris from Teeling for hosting such an amazing event. I am looking forward to travel to Dublin and visit the Distillery once restrictions allow.