Teeling Small Batch Irish is a traditional Irish blend that’s been finished in rum casks and delivered to us non-chill filtered and at 92 proof. When it comes to well executed trend bucking this whiskey delivers. The NCF and higher-than-typical proof alone was a great start, but then to skip completely past a sherry finish, or something similar, and move right to rum was a bold move – especially for the category.
The Teelings, having ran Cooley before Beam-Suntory bought it, obviously know the Irish whiskey category very well and so it’s no surprise they know what it takes to compete for shelf space these days. It’s not delivering yet another “same old” whiskey, it’s delivering something that stands apart and gives the consumer a real choice to make when staring at the shelves on the whiskey aisle and for that I thank them. Seriously, thank you Teelings for the Teeling Small Batch Irish; thank you for not releasing yet another chill-filtered 80 proof Irish blend into the market and giving us something new and different to explore!
Teeling Small Batch Irish Info
Region: County Louth, Ireland
Distiller: Cooley
Bottler: Teeling
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS
ABV: 46%
Price: $40*
Teeling Small Batch Irish Review
EYE
Honey
NOSE
Dried fruit, malt, dark fruit, toffee, malty sweetness, banana and light notes of apricot, brown sugar and grains. Similar to a “traditional” Irish Whiskey nose, but amped up a notch and accented by some darker notes. A pleasant aroma indeed.
PALATE
Malt, honey, banana nut muffin, caramel, dried fruit and light notes of spice, dark sweets and vanilla taffy glide across the palate in a simple supple manner. Like the nose there’s a very traditional feel to it, but it’s amped up a notch and paired with some darker notes.
FINISH
Medium drawl of banana nut muffin, dried fruit and brown sugar.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
A nice balance exists in this whiskey which rests on a medium body. However it does come across a touch hot and dry.
OVERALL
Teeling Small Batch Irish is a good addition to the world of Irish Whiskey. The higher proof and non-chill filtered approach give the traditionally light nature of blended Irish whiskey a kick and adds a more pleasing texture and richness to it. This is a nice, sippable whiskey and would work well in cocktails or the occasional Hot Toddy.
The Teeling Small Batch Irish may not be something I want to drink everyday, but it’s definitely something I’ll be reaching for now and then to break up my usual flavor patterns. Especially if you spend a lot of time drinking heavy cask strength behemoths it’s good to change things up a bit. Take some time and explore lighter, more nuanced whiskeys from time to time to remind your palate and olfactory what subtlety means.
SCORE: 85/100
*Disclosure: This sample of Teeling Small Batch was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
