We’re entering some serious whiskey porn territory here with this Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve. But don’t worry, I’m going to do my best to keep my wits about me and keep this whole review PG rated… PG-13 if you count the pictures because… damn, I mean dang, that’s some good looking whiskey. That color is alluring as all get out.
It’s rare to see an Irish single malt aged for 24 years and even rarer to find one finished in Sauternes. Pulled from a small collection of casks that produced 5,000 bottles this is a whiskey to be reckoned with and I approached it with a bit of trepidation, tampering down my expectations and hope because let’s admit it. I’m an Irish Whiskey fan and for something this special to suck would… well… suck. To see how it panned out scroll on down to the Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve review and raise a glass to hope.
Whiskey Review: Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve
In Teeling’s Words: Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve
“Limited to just 5,000 bottles, the Teeling Whiskey Company is proud to introduce this special release of some of the oldest Irish Single Malt in the world. Matured initially in Bourbon casks before being given an additional maturation in ex-Sauternes wine barrels, imparting a distinctly unique flavor. Bottled at 46% with no chill filtration completing a whiskey of true character. Awarded World’s Best Irish Single Malt, 2016 at the World Whiskies Awards, this is a whiskey to savour.”
Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve price, ABV, age and other details
Region: Ireland
Distiller: Teeling (Cooley)
Mash Bill: 100% Malted barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon & ex-Sauternes
Age: 24 years
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: ~$450
Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve Tasting Notes
EYE
Dark amber
NOSE
Golden raisins, tropical fruit, sweet malt, Almond Rocca, Jujubes and a bit of spice.
PALATE
Golden raisins, tropical fruit, orchard fruit, malt, nuts, fruit jelly candy and a bit of spice and Juicy Fruit gum.
FINISH
Long -> Golden raisins, malt, cocoa and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, full body and an oily feel.
Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve Review – OVERALL
I held a bit of trepidation within as I poured the Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve; not because I was excited, that’s a given, but because what if it sucked? I’m a huge Teeling fan and typically they put out nothing but quality malts so what if this rare and expensive whiskey was terrible? It’s not impossible, I’ve had plenty of whisky that conceptually should be amazing but turned out to be “meh”. Luckily, that wasn’t the care here.
The assumption and hype lived up to the reality as I sunk my senses into a glass of the Teeling 24 Year Vintage Reserve. Aroma and palate were rich and pleasant and the finish carried it through with a smile. Overall it was sweet with a malt heavy undertone and a juiciness to it that reminded me of the Sunkist Fruit Gems from childhood; through it all it retained a refreshing crispness to it. All-in-all, it was an elegant whiskey that made these Irish eyes smile.
SCORE: 91/100 (A-)
Big thanks to Caroline for the sample!
