Perhaps a few more Irish and a tribute to Limburg


April 24, 2020

The Confined Sessions
Day 38
Perhaps a few more Irish and a tribute to Limburg

Perhaps just a few, perhaps a little more, and probably whiskies from two different countries. Or not, but please no politics, whisky/whiskey is kind of similar to rugby after all, is it not?

Teeling ‘Batch 3’ (46%, OB, Irish, 6000 bottles, 2019)

Teeling ‘Batch 3’ (46%, OB, Irish, 6000 bottles, 2019)
This is ‘single pot still’, not too sure about the difference between this and a ‘pure pot still’. Indeed, I could try to find out. It’s made in the new distillery in Dublin, so most certainly young. Colour: straw. Nose: you do feel that this is triple-distilled, and that there’s some grain, meaning some unmalted barley. It’s a little earthy, with notes of apple pie, then orange zests and a little vanilla. It’s fine, reminding us of those old bottles of Jameson’s or Paddy or Power’s. So an ‘old-school’ side, but I wouldn’t climb the walls for it, as we say in France. Mouth: I like the palate a little better, but it’s got a bonbony side and something still rough. White Calvados and grass, plus candy floss. Finish: rather short, grassy. Comments: fine I suppose it’s still a little too young. As we sometimes say when whiskies are young, ‘it shows potential’, but it’s got strictly nothing to do with earlier – and rather stunning -sourced single casks under the same name .
SGP:341 - 74 points.

Irish Single Malt Whisky 29 yo 1990/2019 (49.3%, The Whisky Blues, Irish, barrel, cask #593, 100 bottles)

Most probably single malt from ‘the other country in ye north’. Indeed, B. Colour: gold. Nose: it’s a metallic and acidic cask, and the problem is that I love that. Especially when passion fruits and mangos would get unveiled, together with blood oranges and, in this very case, half a drop of raspberry vinegar. I’m dead serious! Mouth: you remember when dear Richard Paterson explains how to taste a whisky? Say hello, then aha, uh-oh, ha, yum, mmm… Indeed, this one’s extremely chewy, as tropical as these Bs could get, and just shock-full of passion fruits, grapefruits, mangos and pink bananas. And always this tiny-wee vinegary touch that works so well – I swear that’s raspberry! Finish: rather long, with just a touch of vanilla and a curious wee smokiness showing up. Perhaps some influence from a former content? Some mint too, by the way. Comments: fantastic. These casks will always remain very hard to beat, even when they’re not utter champions of complexity.
SGP:651 - 90 points.

Ireland 15 yo 2002/2018 (51.2%, The Whisky Fair 2019, Irish, barrel)

Ireland 15 yo 2002/2018 (51.2%, The Whisky Fair 2019, Irish, barrel)
Poor Whisky Fair Limburg that should have started right tomorrow (right, rather tonight)! But see you in 2021! Room is booked and Currywurst reserved, we’re already ready! Colour: as white as a German riesling. Ha-ha. Nose: this classic feeling of barley eau-de-vie with hints of bananas and whiffs of dill and aniseed (and fennel). Of course this is not a 1988-1992, but I find it fine and fresh this far. With water: indeed! Kiwi and rhubarb juices with a touch of vanilla and the smallest amount of grass. Like, one blade. Notes of proper poppy candy too, which I always found lovely even while I was growing (a little) older. Mouth (neat): ah, tropical fruits showing up, with some custard, sweet bread, and rather a pineapple-mango combo that would work very well. Touch of porridge. With water: frankly, water was unnecessary. Perhaps a little more lemon. Finish: medium, very fruity. A family pack of Haribo’s best, but without too much sugar. Comments: not one of those legendary vintages but we’re getting there. Excellent, even more so given the age and vintage.
SGP:651 - 87 points.

A Drop of the Irish 8 yo (58%, Blackadder, single malt, Irish, cask #DI 2015-6, 366 bottles, 2016)

Colour: white wine. Nose: this is raw, eau-de-vie-ish, you could almost believe this is fine (as in brandy). I’m positive they’ve added some marc de gewurztraminer, and that is much less unpleasant than a Facebook quizz! With water: apple juice, pear juice… Mouth (neat): oh very good! Simple, young, a tad hipflasky (meaning not one to sip in your best armchair while watching Citizen Kane) and beautifully fruity. I would say cherries and plums, and perhaps melon. Not too sure about the last part, but there’s also a feeling of saccharose that should go away as soon as… With water: indeed, adios sugar welcome grass and earth, although this would remain a very fruity and easy whisky, and certainly not an austere grassy/earthy malt. Finish: medium, with a little hay, grass and peelings. With some flesh remaining! Comments: an excellent , very cool and pretty natural little drop from Van Morrison’s country – if I’m not mistaken.
SGP:551 - 84 points.

Oh well, four’s a good number. I’m sure the Teelings will get better and better, and in the meantime, see you and stay safe!

Check the index of all Irish we've tasted so far