Teeling Single Grain Cabernet Cask Finish review

This Irish whiskey surely is not the most usual dram, you will bump into. Single grain whiskies aren’t made that much at the moment. And on top of that, Teeling decided to finish their single grain in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. In 2014, it won “World’s Best Grain” at the World Whiskies Awards.

Celtic Whiskey Shop tells you, that this whiskey has the minimum age of 6 years. First, it gave me a feeling, that it’s gonna be like a bad blend of grains. Fortunately this Teeling started to give some character, like a good malt or rye whisky does. And it felt like a rye whisky!

Epic whiskey, like JCVD!

Not the most characteristic or complex, but epic. Because it’s keeping you on your toes. Like watching JCVD the movie, where Jean-Claude Van Damme is playing himself as an out-of-luck actor. And you think to yourself “okay, it’s gonna be another ‘Van Damme kicking’ movie”. But no, it’s actually witty and original – well, with some kicking…but not too much. And that’s just what this Teeling Single Grain whiskey does.

Nose: For a brief moment, there is that watery, yet stingy scent of spirit, that grains tend to do. Fortunately it fades away quickly, leaving room for smooth and soft notes of wine, red grapes and vanilla. The sweetness is then mixed with spices, resembling a lot of rye whisky. Water brings out the sweet Cabernet more.

Taste: Like nose, for few seconds, there’s that bad blended kind of watery taste, that evolves into nice buttery sweetness and at the end, spices (that resemble rye yet again). Berries, fruits and spices. Water improves the taste, with emphasis on the sweet side, bringing red wine on the palate.

Finish: Dry and medium length. Sour berries, that linger and spices, that run fast down your throat.

Balance: Pretty straight forward Irish whiskey, which gives brief warnings of everyday bad grain blend, but thankfully overtakes ’em with sweet and spicy character. There’s that rye kinda feel, which probably makes me like it more than I should.

Colour: Red copper
Nose: 21  |  Taste: 22  |  Finish: 19  |  Balance: 20
Overall score: 82

Distillery: Teeling
Region: Dublin, Republic of Ireland
ABV: 46%
Non-chill filtered, no added colour