Whisky Review/Tasting: Teeling Stout Cask

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Teeling Stout Cask is a product of Ireland, specifically a collaboration with the Galway Bay Brewery located in Galway, a city in the east of Ireland.
Type: This whisky is a unique small batch collaboration, featuring a stout cask finish.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky undergoes a distinctive maturation process. Initially, the cask was used for rum, then for Teeling whiskey, followed by aging an Imperial Stout from Galway Bay Brewery, and finally used again for maturing this Teeling whisky. This makes it a third fill for Teeling.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but the Imperial Stout bottles were crafted in March 2017, providing a hint towards the cask's usage timeline.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky has a lighter color, indicative of a third fill cask. The bottle design includes details of the collaboration, mentioning "200 fathoms imperial stout" and the Galway Bay Brewery, established in 2009.

The Teeling Stout Cask presents a unique flavor profile, heavily influenced by its stout cask maturation. It features a creamy, coffee flavor with a very flat and round taste. The whisky lacks the typical alcohol smell, leaning more towards a coffee, cacao, and milk combination.
Additional tasting notes include roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a very subtle sweetness. The aftertaste is described as smooth, reminiscent of having cream or milk, with a surprising emergence of oriental spices towards the end.
The flavor is heavily dominated by coffee notes, making it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts. The presence of roasted malt and a bit of spiciness in the aftertaste adds complexity to the whisky.

The collaboration between Teeling and Galway Bay Brewery is highlighted, showcasing a unique approach to whisky maturation by using a cask that previously held an Imperial Stout. This process adds a rich layer of storytelling, connecting the whisky to the craft beer movement in Ireland.

The whisky embodies a strong Irish identity, not only through its production in Ireland but also through its collaboration with a local craft brewery. The mention of "Galway girls" and the reference to the historical export of Imperial Stout to the Russian monarchy add cultural and historical depth to the whisky's story.

The host expresses a personal preference, noting that the whisky's heavy coffee influence might not suit everyone's taste. However, they acknowledge that coffee lovers would likely appreciate the unique flavor profile.
"It's incredible how much coffee is in there," and "the aftertaste is more my type" highlight the host's nuanced take on the whisky's flavor profile.

Teeling Stout Cask is a unique Irish whisky with a stout cask finish, resulting from a collaboration with Galway Bay Brewery.
The whisky features a complex flavor profile dominated by coffee, with notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and oriental spices.
Its production involves a distinctive maturation process, utilizing a cask that has previously held rum, Teeling whisky, and an Imperial Stout.
The collaboration and the use of a craft beer cask add a rich narrative and cultural significance to the whisky.
While the host has reservations about the dominant coffee flavor, they acknowledge its appeal to coffee enthusiasts.

Coffee Lovers: Given its strong coffee flavor profile, this whisky is highly recommended for those who enjoy coffee.
Whisky Enthusiasts Looking for Something Unique: The unique maturation process and collaboration with a craft brewery make this whisky an interesting choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking new experiences.
Craft Beer Fans: Individuals who appreciate craft beer, especially stouts, may find this whisky intriguing due to its stout cask finish.