Whiskey Review/Tasting: Teeling - The Spirit of Dublin

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ireland, specifically Dublin for the Teeling brand, with historical ties to the Cooley Distillery in the northeast of the Republic of Ireland.
Type: Irish Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Produced using column stills for grain whiskies and pot stills for single malt whiskies. The specific maturation process for "The Spirit of Dublin" involves rum casks, although the exact type of rum casks used is not specified.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but the reviewed bottle is from the first batch introduced in February 2013.
Color and Clarity: Not described in detail.
Bottle Design: Not described in detail, but the bottle represents the first new bottling from Teeling's private stocks.

Balance of Flavors: Dominated by spices rather than sweetness, contrary to some official descriptions.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its spiciness, with flavors of lavender, anise, and a slight vanilla aroma. A hint of rum and a very slight bitterness from the oak of the rum casks are present in the background.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but the flavor profile is distinct from typical sweet whiskies due to its emphasis on spice.

Historical Anecdotes: Walter Teeling founded the original Teeling distillery in Dublin in 1782. The Teeling family has a long history in the Irish whiskey industry, with John Teeling acquiring the Cooley Distillery in 1988/89 and later selling it to Jim Beam in December 2011 for $95 billion.
Production Journey: After selling Cooley, John Teeling decided to continue the family legacy by producing whiskey from his own stock, leading to the creation of "The Spirit of Dublin."

Historical Significance: The Teeling brand carries significant historical weight in Dublin's whiskey scene, dating back to the 18th century.
Geographical Context: The story of Teeling is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Irish whiskey's rise, fall, and resurgence, highlighting the brand's Dublin roots and its connection to the Cooley Distillery's strategic location near the border with Northern Ireland.

Horst Luening's Opinion: He finds the whiskey to be very impressive, particularly noting its spice-dominant flavor profile, which contrasts with its official description as a sweet whiskey.
Memorable Quote: "Not a bad one, not too expensive. Yes, very impressive. First bottling, first bottling of the Tealings."

Teeling Whiskey, "The Spirit of Dublin," is an Irish whiskey with historical roots in Dublin and a production story linked to the Cooley Distillery.
The whiskey is characterized by a spice-dominant flavor profile, with notes of lavender, anise, vanilla, and a hint of rum, diverging from its official description as sweet.
The Teeling family has a storied history in the Irish whiskey industry, with the brand representing a continuation of their legacy post the sale of the Cooley Distillery to Jim Beam.
Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the whiskey for its impressive and unique flavor profile, highlighting its significance as the first new bottling from Teeling's private stocks.

For Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those interested in the rich history and evolution of Irish whiskey will appreciate the Teeling brand's storied background and its significance in the resurgence of Dublin's whiskey production.
For Flavor Chasers: Individuals who prefer a spice-forward whiskey with complex notes and a departure from the typical sweetness of some Irish whiskies will find "The Spirit of Dublin" particularly enjoyable.
For Collectors: The first batch of "The Spirit of Dublin" from February 2013 offers a unique addition to any whiskey collection, representing a new chapter in the Teeling family's whiskey legacy.