Whiskey isn't just in the Teeling blood; it's their life force, their raison d'être. Since 1782, the name Teeling has been etched into Dublin's soul, synonymous with the city's spirit...quite literally. Walter Teeling, the original whiskey wizard,laid the groundwork for a legacy so potent, it could knock a leprechaun off his cloud.
Fast forward to a time when skinny jeans and artisanal bread were all the rage. Brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, with more moxie than a pint of Guinness, decided to resurrect their family’s whiskey empire. They didn't just rebuild a distillery; they staged a coup against bland, boring whiskey. Teeling wasn’t about to be another drop in the Irish whiskey ocean. No, they were about to create a tsunami of flavor. This wasn’t just whiskey; it was a declaration of independence from the ordinary.
Teeling Whiskey: Where Tradition Gets a Kick in the Pants
Tucked away in the beating heart of Dublin's whiskey-soaked history, the Teeling Distillery isn't just a factory; it's a whiskey wonderland. This isn't your grandpa's distillery; it's where tradition throws a party with modernity and everybody gets invited.
The Teelings aren't content with playing it safe. While other whiskey makers are stuck in a time warp, sipping their neat whiskey and tweed jackets, Teeling is busy shaking things up.
They're the mad scientists of the spirit world, mixing and matching flavors like a mischievous leprechaun on a sugar rush.
No chill filtration? That's child's play.
Unconventional mash bills? Their middle name.
The result? A whiskey that's as bold and complex as a Dubliner's wit.
Teeling Small Batch: A Flavor Fiesta
Teeling's Small Batch is essentially a flavor rollercoaster with a VIP pass. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and then given a rum-soaked holiday, this bad boy is a party in a glass. Imagine a pint of Guinness on a tropical beach vacation – that’s the kind of flavor explosion we're talking about.
The nose is a seductive siren song of cut grass, orange blossom, and allspice, with a hint of apple pie for good measure. It's like stumbling upon a secret garden after a bakery binge.
On the palate, it's a rich, spicy affair, with flavors that dance like leprechauns at a feast. Think rose petal jelly, lemon curd, and creamy vanilla – it's high tea with a rebel twist. The finish is a graceful bow, a lingering whisper of caramel and spice that leaves you craving another sip.
Teeling Single Grain: The Whiskey Maverick
Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey is the whiskey equivalent of a punk rocker with a Ph.D. It’s tossed the rulebook out the window and dared to be different.
Crafted from a rebellious mix of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, and finished in American red wine casks, Teeling Single Grain is like a rebellious teenager who’s discovered wine and decided to experiment. This maverick approach imparts a distinctive red-berry and tannic profile, setting it apart from the crowd.
On the nose, Teeling Single Grain offers a berry-licious bouquet that’s as inviting as a summer picnic. Red grapes and berries dominate, intertwined with a hint of spice and an underlying sweetness that teases your senses.
The palate is a velvet glove with an iron fist—smooth and silky with a spicy kick. Deep berry notes dance on your tongue, balanced by sweet undertones that create a harmonious symphony of flavors. It’s a bold statement in every sip, reflecting the innovative spirit of the Teeling brothers.
The finish is a tantalizing tease, influenced by the red wine casks, creating a unique, short, and dry conclusion. The tannic influence leaves a memorable impression, encouraging you to take another sip and dive back into this rebellious spirit.
Teeling's Latest: An Irish-Japanese Love Affair Unveiled at Frank Mac's
When Teeling Distillery announces a new release, it's not just news—it's an event. And what better place to celebrate the latest Teeling masterpiece than at Frank Mac's, Sydney's quintessential blend of old Irish charm and modern flair?
Nestled in the historic heart of The Rocks, Frank Mac's is more than a bar; it’s a character-driven homage to owner Ciara Doran's colorful great uncle, Frank Mac, who was known for holding court at his local village bar, entertaining patrons with his stories and cheeky humor. This heritage-listed venue perfectly marries tradition and innovation, much like the latest gem from Teeling.
Teeling Explorer Series 15-Year-Old Japanese Edition
Teeling's latest limited edition, the Explorer Series 15-Year-Old Japanese Edition, is a whiskey that dares to be different. Crafted from a blend of malted barley and corn whiskey, this expression was aged for eleven years in bourbon barrels and then spent four additional years in mugi shochu casks.
Bottled at 46% ABV with no chill filtration, it’s a celebration of the bold and the beautiful in whiskey craftsmanship.
What’s Shochu Got to Do with It?
For the uninitiated, shochu is Japan's traditional spirit, which can be made from sweet potato, rice, sugar, barley, or buckwheat.
The secret ingredient? Koji, a special mold that transforms starch into fermentable sugar. In mugi shochu, koji meets barley, creating a spirit that’s distilled in pot stills and aged in Japanese oak casks. This unusual choice of cask aging imparts a unique profile to the whiskey, making it a true standout.
What tickles the nostrils upon approach evokes mental images of strolling through an orchard with a basket of candied apples, lychee, and jasmine tea, with a hint of mellow vanilla sweetness wafting through the air. Add a dash of fruit pastries and spice for good measure.
On the top of the mouth, a smooth, velvety glide of flavors brasces the palate —lychee and passion fruit take the lead, followed by poached pears, gingerbread cookies, and a drizzle of golden syrup. It’s a rollercoaster of taste that’s as exhilarating as it is delightful.
The finale is a sweet, mellow embrace with soft wood tannins, dried fruits, and a crisp aftertaste that leaves you longing for another sip. It’s a goodbye that’s more of a "see you soon."
So, raise a glass to Teeling's latest triumph, to the storied walls of Frank Mac's, and to the intrepid explorers who inspire us to push boundaries. Here’s to the whiskey mavericks who dare to blend tradition with rebellion.
Sláinte and kanpai!
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Words by AW.
Photos by AW and Teeling Distillery.