Teeling Irish Whiskey dates back to 1782, when a Teeling ancestor began distilling whiskey in Dublin. And though it didn’t operate continuously since then, that’s a fine pedigree on which to hang your hat. So the brand was revived in 2011, when a couple of enterprising Teeling brothers started the Teeling Whiskey Co., thereby becoming the first new distillery in Dublin in 125 years.
Fast forward to 2014, and Teeling began distributing the stuff stateside. They now offer a range of whiskeys, from the flagship Teeling Small Batch to a single grain whiskey and a few single malts. It’s finding favor among consumers and especially bars, where it’s earning shelf space between solid everyday bottles like Jameson and higher-end whiskeys like Redbreast.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey is comprised of hand-selected casks that are then matured further in ex-rum barrels. Combine that with the fact that it’s 46% ABV and not chill filtered, and you’ve got a fine whiskey on your hands. Things begin light and sweet on the nose, with notes of vanilla, caramel and grain, plus a hint of aged rum. Take a sip, and things are mostly the same. Smooth and drinkable, with more grain and vanilla notes. But on the palate we also find some spice and a touch of coconut and lemon, which keeps things interesting. It finishes easy, with a bit more caramel popping up toward the end.
This is solid stuff. Craft Irish whiskey is an exciting category these days, and Teeling–along with others like Green Spot and Yellow Spot–is a big reason why.
Stats:
– 46% ABV
– $40
CE Rating: ★★★
This one is definitely going on my to-try list!