Whiskey Review/Tasting: The Teeling Single Grain

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ireland, specifically from the Cooley distillery in the northeast part of the Republic of Ireland, close to the border with Northern Ireland.
Type: Single Grain Irish Whiskey.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in oak casks and then finished in California Cabernet Sauvignon red wine casks. Produced using column stills for grain whisky and pot stills for malt whisky.
Age Statement: Not specified, but it is a limited edition release.
Color and Clarity: Very light, indicating a gentle maturation process.
Bottle Design: Not described in detail, but it is a limited edition, suggesting a potentially unique or collectible design.

Balance of Flavors: Described as not well balanced, with a significant difference between the light and weak aroma and the strong oak wood taste.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky has a light vanilla note from the oak cask and some spiciness, with a fruitiness of grapes reminiscent of cognac. The initial taste is very light on the tongue, followed by bitterness from tannins and oakiness.
Comparison: The reviewer prefers another Teeling whiskey, the Rum Finish, over this single grain expression, indicating a personal taste that leans away from the strong oak and tannin flavors of this whisky.

Distillery History: The Teeling family founded their first distillery in Dublin in 1782. The Cooley distillery, where this whisky originates, was converted from a plant for pharmaceutical alcohol production into a whisky distillery by the Teeling family.
Industry Challenges: The narrative includes the historical challenges faced by Irish whiskey, including independence struggles, prohibition in the U.S., and loss of commonwealth membership, leading to a significant decline in distilleries.

Irish Whiskey Resurgence: This whisky represents part of the resurgence of Irish whiskey, with the Cooley distillery being the first new distillery in Ireland for decades. It highlights the innovative spirit of the Teeling family in reviving and transforming the Irish whiskey landscape.

"Grain whisky is most often a very light whisky." - Horst Luening, indicating the general character of grain whiskies.
"It's not so well balanced." - A critical assessment of the Teeling Single Grain's flavor profile.

The Teeling Single Grain is a limited edition Irish whiskey, matured in oak and finished in wine casks, producing a light and somewhat unbalanced flavor profile with notes of vanilla, spice, and a strong oakiness.
It represents the innovative history and resilience of the Teeling family and the broader Irish whiskey industry, overcoming historical challenges to produce unique whiskies.
The whiskey's flavor profile and historical context might appeal to collectors and those interested in the revival of Irish whiskey, though the reviewer suggests it may not suit all tastes, preferring the Teeling Rum Finish for a more pleasant experience.

Whiskey Collectors: Given its limited edition status and unique maturation process, collectors might find this bottle a valuable addition to their collection.
Irish Whiskey Enthusiasts: Those with a keen interest in the history and resurgence of Irish whiskey might appreciate this whiskey for its significance and story.
New Whiskey Tasters: Beginners might find the lightness appealing but should be wary of the unbalanced nature and strong oakiness, which might not suit all palates.
Connoisseurs Looking for Complexity: Might find the flavor profile intriguing but should note the reviewer's critique regarding balance.