Teeling Blackpitts Cask Strength is the new high ABV version of their peated whiskey Blackpitts. It matured in ex-bourbon casks before bottling at 56.5% ABV, adding even more depth to the peat smoke.
It is named after the old Blackpitts area behind the distillery in The Liberties neighbourhood of Dublin. Irish people often refer to Dublin as the Big Smoke, making this a very appropriate release.
Update: check my review of five Teeling Blackpitts releases
Teeling Blackpitts Cask Strength (56,5%, OB 2022, 8400 btl.)
Nose: full flavoured smoke, with a sooty side and some burning rubber. Bonfire on the beach. Then charcoal ashes, as well as some burnt herbal notes and clove. Some dried apple and orange peels in the background, as well as a vague hint of roasted pineapple.
Mouth: a lot of smoke, mixed with raw mezcal and hints of all spice. Then some burnt pineapple and stewed pears come out. Somehow there’s a metallic / coppery note and a fragrant hint of lavender that I find less pleasant. Hints of liquorice and caramel sweetness towards the end.
Finish: long and sooty, on burnt grasses, toasted malt and a touch of salt.
I thought the regular Teeling Blackpitts only offered a light peaty side. While the smoky side is definitely stronger in this Cask Strength expression, the fragrant hint of lavender is out of place, especially in a peated whiskey. Due to this I currently prefer the regular version, but a bit of tweaking may iron out the wrinkles in a next batch. Only available in Ireland for now. Later also from The Whisky Exchange and others.