The third release in the Rising Reserve series from Teeling is finished in Ruby Port casks. That was not really a secret since we tried a preliminary version of all three in March 2023.
Teeling Rising Reserve No.3 21 yo (46%, OB 2024, Ruby Port finish, 6000 btl.)
Nose: rich and fruity, with plenty of juicy plums, strawberries and cherry jam. Raisins and a little orange peel. Plenty of wine gums, with the slightly fragrant edge of a rosé wine. Then there’s a subtle herbal touch, with a good dose of cinnamon and caramel toffee, as well as some vanilla.
Mouth: more fruits. Red apples, plenty of grapes and berries. Just a hint of pink grapefruit. Honeyed notes too. Then it becomes drier and more woody, on nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, with a growing winey side. In the background it builds up black peppercorns, leafy notes and a hint of leather. A slightly bitter herbal layer as well.
Finish: long, on dark fruits, bittersweet wood spice and orange peels.
Back in 2023 I thought the jammy sweetness was a little overdone, but now I’m picking up more dry elements. As someone who generally doesn’t like Port finishes, I admit this is quite tasty. Now available from the distillery and several retailers.