Teeling Single Grain Whiskey

Teeling's Single Grain is an Irish whiskey, and the grain in the name is what sets it apart from the pot still and malt whiskeys most people expect from Ireland. Single grain means it comes from one distillery and is made mostly from grains other than malted barley, such as corn or wheat, usually run through a column still. That tends to give a lighter, cleaner spirit than pot still or single malt. Expect sweeter, softer notes of vanilla, honey, toasted cereal, and a touch of fruit, with gentle oak and little of the peat smoke or heavy spice found in rye or Scotch. The ABV isn't listed in the product data, so check the bottle label before you plan a cocktail around its strength. For neat sipping, a Glencairn glass is the best choice. Its tapered rim concentrates the lighter, sweeter aromas that a wide tumbler lets escape. Pour a measure, let it sit for a minute, and nose it before tasting. A few drops of room-temperature water can open up the grain sweetness and soften any alcohol heat, which suits a style that relies on subtlety. On the rocks in a rocks glass is also reasonable, but a single large cube is better than several small ones. It chills the whiskey with little dilution, though very cold temperatures will mute the delicate vanilla and cereal notes that make a grain whiskey worth buying. In cocktails, a lighter grain whiskey works best where the other ingredients shouldn't be overpowered. A Highball is probably its best use: pour over ice, top with soda water, and add a lemon peel. The clean profile keeps the drink crisp, and the grain sweetness comes through without competing with the fizz. A Whiskey Sour also suits it, since the mild oak leaves room for lemon and a touch of sugar, and the smooth body gives the drink a round texture. In an Old Fashioned, use a little less sugar than you would with a bourbon, because the whiskey is already soft. A Manhattan works too, with sweet vermouth and bitters, though the result will be gentler than one made with rye. For food, think of dishes that match its restraint: smoked salmon, mild cheddar, buttered shortbread, or a simple grilled chicken. A grain whiskey this light won't hold up to strong blue cheese or heavily spiced food.