We had to wait a long time for it, but Teeling has finally unveiled its second release which is fully distilled in their Dublin based distillery. In addition, this new single malt, called Teeling Blackpitts, is also the distillery’s first peated whiskey. And that is quite special because peated and Irish whiskey is a not as obvious combination as it is for Scottish whisky.
For years this has actually only been Connemara (one of the Cooley brands), but in the meantime, a slight change has taken place in the Irish whiskey world. For example, there is now also the Bill Phil of the relatively new independent bottler W.D. O’Connell, which is a triple distilled, peated single malt sourced from the Great Northern Distillery. And there is Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated, a blend of single malt and single grain, which has been finished in casks that previously held whisky from Islay. In addition, there are many rumours that a number of other relatively young distilleries are also experimenting with peated barley. All in all, an interesting development for Irish whiskey.
But for the time being, it is Teeling who is the first major player to take the step and that is entirely in the style of the distillery that is known for its eagerness to experiment. Not only with all kinds of different casks, as we see for example with the new Teeling Pineapple Rum Cask, but also with peated barley. The barley for Teeling Blackpitts, which comes from Glenesk in Speyside, was peated at 55ppm, but the triple distillation process brought this down to roughly 15ppm. A big difference, which has ensured that this whiskey has become a lot more subtle than we are used to from most peated whiskies. It then matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Sauternes casks and bottled at 46% ABV.
Teeling Blackpitts tasting notes:
Nose: a subtle and light layer of peat. But also quite some fruity notes, such as pineapple and ripe pears. A hint of Bbq smoked bacon. But I also get a sugary note from tumtum (an old Dutch pink candy). Then some freshness from lime and mint in the background. Later also a green tea note.
Taste: a salty note. Pineapple and stewed pears. caramel and some honey. A bonfire leading towards peat, which is followed by red apples.
Finish: short to mid-long. caramel and slightly peaty.
A nice and enjoyable second release from Teeling, well done! However, the finish is slightly lacking some flavours compared to the rest. But all in all, a lovely addition to the Teeling portfolio.
Sample provided by Teeling.
