Teeling Irish Whiskey Teeling Small Batch

Teeling Small Batch is a Dublin-bottled Irish whiskey at 46% ABV, a notch above the 40% standard for the category. The higher strength carries more texture and flavor into the glass, and it holds up to ice or mixing better than a lower-proof Irish. The label sits under Bourbon in the store's catalog, but this is Irish whiskey, not bourbon. It is known for a high malt content and a finishing period in ex-rum barrels, which is where its distinct sweetness comes from. On the nose, expect the soft, fruity, lightly floral character Irish malt blends usually show, with vanilla and baked fruit in the foreground. The rum-cask influence points toward brown sugar, toffee and a touch of tropical fruit rather than the char and caramel you would get from new American oak. Expect a rounder, smoother body than most bourbon, with little of the rye-driven bite and no peat smoke at all. Spice tends to show up late and gently, as pepper and warm oak on the finish. To get the most from it neat, pour a small measure and let it sit for a minute or two. A few drops of water can open up the fruit and sweetness without flattening the 46% strength. A Glencairn is the better choice for nosing the rum-cask notes. For casual sipping, use a rocks glass, ideally with one large cube, which chills the whiskey slowly and dilutes less than small ice. In cocktails, the sweetness makes this a natural fit for an Old Fashioned. Use a small amount of sugar or a dash of simple syrup, plus two dashes of Angostura bitters and an orange peel. A Whiskey Sour also works well, because the malt-forward softness balances the lemon without needing much sugar. In a Manhattan, expect a lighter, fruitier drink than the rye-based version, so use a sweet vermouth that isn't too heavy. For a Highball, pour over plenty of ice and top with soda water or ginger ale, then add a lemon or orange wedge. The result is an easy long drink that keeps its fruit character. At the table, it goes well with aged cheddar, dark chocolate or roasted nuts.