Teeling Small Batch

Our second Irish whiskey in the advent calendar. The Teeling Whiskey Company is run by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, members of a whiskey family with over a two hundred year history. Owners of the first distillery in Dublin in one hundred and twenty five years they've been selling a range of whiskeys while building their new facility. Teeling Small Batch is a selection of whiskeys further matured in ex-rum barrels.

Behind window #22: Teeling Small Batch, 46% alc., £28/$42

C: Engine oil

N: Takes a wee while to open up then it's grain forward with milk chocolate, US Smarties, and poached pears and ginger

P: Decent texture with a spicy profile (apple cake sprinkled with cinnamon) and more milk chocolate

F: Short despite all that spice, lingering grain, hints of toffee

In conclusion: Solid little Irish session whisky. Needs patience in the beginning and there might be too much spice (for some) but it holds together well. Great entry level strength and price.

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.

Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve

Under William Grant and Sons' ownership since 2010, Tullamore D.E.W. (named for sixty year employee and former manager Daniel E Williams) has six bottlings in its line. Today's advent calendar offering is the "Special Reserve," a 12 year old blend of triple distilled grain whiskey, malt whiskey, and pot still whiskey matured in bourbon and sherry casks for twelve to fifteen years. Originally released to the travel retail market it's now generally available.   

Behind window #9: Tullamore D.E.W. 12 Year Old Special Reserve, 40% alc.,£41/$62

C: Gold

N: Grain forward with window putty and Pineapple Kubes, some honey, some vanilla

P: Pronounced sweet fruit notes (pear and more pineapple) with a little vanilla and hints of ground nutmeg 

F: Short and sweet with a slight astringency and lingering grain 

In conclusion: It moves quickly across the palate and finish. The memory is of sweetness but there's little texture and few defining characteristics.

Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.