NEW BOTTLE HIGHLIGHT SERIES: The First Irish Whisky Which Is Exciting & Memorable

I like Irish whiskies – they’re usually pleasant sippers with lighter, fruitier flavors with a mix of baking and pot spices thanks to the mash bills and the triple distillation. But no Irish whisky has truly been exciting as a spirit or been that memorable to me.

Until now. This Teeling Single Malt – Single Cask – Cask Strength Tequila barrel finished whisky is both exciting and memorable. I’ve had a bottle of it for a while but cracked it open two days ago on St. Patrick’s Day and was blown away by both the aroma and flavor profiles. It’s a new addition to my “Milestone Whiskies” list. The only thing I would wish for is more transparency regarding exactly what type of aged tequila barrel was used to finish this whisky.

Made from 100% malted barley (instead of the frequent Irish whisky mash bill of malted and unmalted barley and grain whiskies) and bottled at 117.8 proof (58.9% ABV), this Teeling single barrel is first aged for multiple years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for two years in unspecified tequila barrels. It mixes the Irish whisky and aged tequila/Blue Weber agave notes seamlessly.

On the nose it is reminiscent of Hibiki Japanese Harmony with a creamy burst of juicy apricots and peaches drizzled with a slightly floral honey, fruity caramel and rich vanilla, sweet cinnamon and nutmeg, caramelized/candied oranges and orange zest/peel, honey-drizzled lime, golden raisins, floral heather, and sandalwood.

The flavor profile mirrors the nose but adds more robust baking and pot spices, black pepper, a creamier caramel and butterscotch with vanilla, some anise, and a touch of cocoa on the finish. The whisky has an amazingly viscous mouthfeel and a long finish.