This is the third edition in the Teeling Revival series, a 14 year-old single malt distilled in 2002, matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in 350 litre Pineau des Charentes casks, a first for Irish whiskey.
Pineau des Charentes is a sweet French aperitif, made mainly in the southwestern regions of Charente and Charente-Maritime. It is the cognac region, and indeed cognac eau-de-vie is used to fortify grape must or partially fermented fresh Charentais, which is then left to mature in oak casks.
Be sure to compare with the first Teeling Revival launched last year.
Teeling Revival 14 yo 2002 (46%, OB 2017, Pineau des Charentes finish, 10.000 btl.)
Teeling Revival 14 yo 2002 (46%, OB 2017, Pineau des Charentes finish, 10.000 btl.)Nose: nicely fruity. There’s the typical middle-aged ‘greener’ fruitiness (pear, greengages) but also sweeter, more candied notes (dried apricot, pineapple cubes, mirabelles). Very good.
Mouth: same quality, same fruitiness now joined by honeyed notes, creamy almond paste, a little pepper and indeed a hint of Pineau. Funny how this vaguely reminds me of very old cognac which can display the same kind of slightly tropical fruitiness. Just a light tingle of oak and some hazelnut notes.
Finish: long, now a bit drier, with hints of dark chocolate.
I think this is even better than the already very good first Teeling Revival. A Pineau finish that is subtle but effective. Currently only available at the distillery, Dublin airport and Irish retailers. Should arrive in international markets in March, in time for St. Patrick’s. Around € 120 from Master of Malt.
Score: 88/100