Teeling Irish Single Malt is among the new breed of Irish whiskeys that have popped up in, fairly, recent years that buck the trend of the 80 proof chill-filtered blend. Yes Irish single malts have been around for a while, but by-and-large Irish Whiskey has historically been light, sweet and ultra-accessible; almost like gateway whiskeys. Something to get you started before getting into the harder stuff from Islay or the cask strength monsters from Kentucky. An easy and unassuming ways to lure you down deeper dark paths of whiskey discovery.
Like I mentioned above there have been some fairly long standing outliers, but on the whole Irish single malt, and by extension 100% single pot still, whiskey have been fairly rare to come across in this category – let alone anything non-chill filtered and bottled above 40%. Though that’s slowly been turning and the last decade, especially the last 5 or so years, has seen major shifts with denser, richer, single malts and 100% single pot still whiskies hitting the market. The Teeling Irish Single Malt is a great example of that change and is kind of a mass market re-birth of a lovely style of whiskey that’s long been overlooked, but is finally getting the care and attention it deserves.
Teeling Irish Single Malt Info
Region: County Louth, Ireland
Distiller: Cooley
Bottler: Teeling
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS
ABV: 46%
Price: $60*
Teeling Irish Single Malt Review
EYE
Straw
NOSE
Crisp complex orchard fruit, honey, dried red fruit, malty sweetness, caramel, bananas and Red Vines. There’s a light spice that runs beneath, but overall it’s a nice rich aroma that borders on buttery.
PALATE
Soft warm malty sweetness, bananas and buttery graham merge and remind me of a banana cream pie. Layers of crisp apples, honey and a touch of spice and dried fruit make this a dynamic palate.
FINISH
Layers of dried apples, banana, caramel and malt slowly fade out.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, round medium body and a soft oily feel.
OVERALL
The Teeling Irish Single Malt is a fantastic example of everything that’s right about a good Irish Whiskey. Classically Irish whiskeys have been light fruit and honey driven whiskies, but the newer lads on the block are putting out whiskies that buck the traditional 80 proof, chill-filtered, blended trend and bring some good depth with them. Whiskeys that display the true nature of Irish whiskey and the distillery the same way Scottish single Malts do.
Crisp orchard fruits, honey and banana still define the Teeling Irish Single Malt like they do most Irish whiskeys, but their approach also gives this Irish whiskey something it needs to really shine: an oily malty backbone. The decision to put this out as a non-chill filtered 92 proof release was smart and beautifully displays the complexity that Irish whiskey can have. Lovely stuff.
SCORE: 89/100
*Disclosure: This sample of Teeling Irish Single Malt was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.