I’ve been meaning to post these tasting notes before, but never got to it. Today i walked into my local liqour shop in search of something quite different (I always check the whisky shelves to see if there is something new), and I saw this whisky and the grain version on the shelf. I was very surprised and quite content to see another whiskey brand sold in the Holy Land. More and more brands are making Alyah (coming over in Hebrew jargon), and it makes me quite happy. The prices are also quite reasonable (on par with UK prices!!) so can’t ask for more. I mentioned seeing those whiskies to the shop owner, and he told me he also has the 21 year old on sale, so make note if you live in Israel, it’s time to try those babies, and at this price, it’s a no brainer.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, 46.0% , £33 (184 ₪ locally)
This lovely whisky was finished in Rum casks, where its also married before bottling (its a blend, yes).
Nose: Starts fresh with citrus and hints of lemongrass which develop into fruitier notes of berries on top of creamy vanilla and and spices.
Palate: Spicy, and pepper, fresh with lemon rind, and cereals as well as some fruity new make-ish notes, vanilla and cinnamon, with traces of kirsch. a bit sharp.
Finish: Caramel, pepper, vanilla cream…
This is a lovely sipping whisky, would go well even in the Israeli hot summer (chill it a bit before drinking, then let it warm). It’s a daily dram, nothing spectacular, but very nice as such. It’s not as good as the single grain IMHO, but considering the price, its good VFM.
Score: 83/100
Available in Israel Online for 184 ₪ here.