Teeling Wonders of Wood Virgin Chinkapin American Oak

This is a Teeling Single Pot Still (so own distillation, if you know what I mean) that matured on Virgin Chinkapin American Oak. That's a kind of yellow oak. I expect a lot of spiciness. Part of the proceeds will also go to an organization that is involved in the reforestation of Ireland. But I digress. This is the first release in the so-called Wonders of Wood series. Here we go!

The nose offers a lot of fruit in the form of blood oranges, mango and blackcurrants, while caramel and toffee increase the sweetness. But the spiciness is not to be discounted. Pot Still means that unmalted barley was added to the mash bill, which ensures a spicy nose where vanilla, wood chips and licorice also speak. After some breathing, this whiskey even becomes surprisingly waxy and some chocolate, almond paste and freshly polished parquet appears. That works really well. Interesting nose!

Waxy on the tongue, too! Immediately sweet on crème brûlée and chocolate, but then quickly gets a sour note like from mandarins and grapefruit before suddenly drying your mouth completely. The spices continue to excite, the sweetness decreases and is replaced by an interesting bitterness that I can only describe as from a grape seed or sweet chestnut. Good!

The finish is medium-long and quite dry on dark chocolate filled with orange paste. Terrific.

Without a doubt fascinating whiskey. Around 80 EUR. Thx, Benny!