Teeling Small Batch

Bought because of enthusiastic reviews, but after the cautious wait for Tesco to drop their price form about £38 down to £30 (My prediction was exact but easy)
Nose- liquorice and mint; actually rum would be a good description. Palate- Straight out the bottle- Nothing in particular. Let it breathe then add water.
Taste 2: Golden rum, developing into slightly burnt golden sugar and toffee. Pleasant moment of warm swirling sugars then unexpected burn in the belly.
Finish -fades quickly to stale barley sugar, which lingers and lingers and lingers.
To be honest, it lacks Irish character. Tastes like golden rum. I reckon, since the distillery has only been open about 4 years, they're using fiery grain of their own making in the blend. It's common knowledge, or so I read, that they're outsourcing to tide themselves over till they mature their own stuff.
So, to be honest I think it's got some sort of below average, young single malt mixed with a lot of their immature grain spirit, and they've tried to hide it by finishing in rum barrels. For about £30 you could find something more Irish and elegant. No way is it worth £38. It's a con I think, and probably shouldn't be more than £22 at very tops

21st August 2019

This is a really lovely whisky at 46% abv but can be a bit rough around the edges. Slowly sipped and perhaps with just a bit of water is the way to go. Nutty aftertaste, the rum influence is noticeable but delightful, and a sweetness that goes on and on. A huge step up from basic level Irish whisky. It can come off as strong in the alcohol taste when first poured. I stock it and love it.

7th August 2019

Awesome, amazing, everything I look for in a high quality Irish whiskey! Heavy, warm, and rich.

5th August 2019

yes, Very pleasant, and Quite a sweet finish, I am a fan of Laphroaig and any a smokey/peaty whisky, but I do enjoy any rich whisky/ey... I wouldn't go so far as to say it is complex, but it is not at all weak, very well rounded. Not a 5 because there are many whiskies out there, and that extra star is reserved for the ones that really hit the high marks. Not to be underestimated, definitely fetching it again, and looking forward to try others in their range. Enjoy.

2nd July 2019

Great whiskey, l definitely recommend it, better than some of the other whiskeys in it's price range. Also an enjoyable after taste. Nb: After reading some of the reviews, seems like bourbon drinkers don't enjoy it so if you are one, steer clear hahaha...

11th June 2019

Really , really sweet & syrupy, ok for a shot but that's it . I went by the reviews and can't see why its rated so high . I normally drink bourbon perhaps that's why, but definitely should be served with a cocktail umbrella & a glazed cherry ...

31st May 2019

I had Teeling for the first time in Dublin a few years back and loved it, so when I found somewhere I could buy it I immediately ordered some! It's some of the best I've had and will definitely order more, the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars is like one of the reviews before me have had problems with the cork and cap, it became quite difficult to open and as a result I snapped the cork in the neck which is a bit more difficult to remove. That's the only thing that can be improved on.

5th March 2019

My Husband is a bourbon drinker and Collector... I also appreciate a good bourbon, but my go-to is Irish Whiskey...after reading the reviews he purchased the Teeling Small Batch for me to try... great expectations....harsh alcohol is the first thing I noticed..didn't like it at all... thought I'd give it a try again last night, poured a sip and thought .. tastes like Tequila...when my hubby came home, I poured a bit for him and gave it to him blind and asked "Identify what type of liquor this is"... his guess was Tequila...so it's not just me...Maybe I'll make margaritas...

19th February 2019

When I opened the seal the cork was not attached to the cap, had a little trouble getting the cork out. Wonderful flavor very nice on the tongue. Now I have to figure out how to cap the bottle

17th November 2018

Mellow to the pallet,but be aware a warm comforting sensesation to the throat, the flavour lingers in the mouth would highly recommend.

15th August 2018

This is the whiskey that got me to be a whiskey drinker. And no matter what I spend, I have never found a whiskey that compares to the utter smoothness of it. Anyone who has had it knows that word is the best description. It’s converted me-a lifelong vodka man-into someone that will not travel anywhere without it available. My wife (an avid whiskey drinker prior to finding this), will never go back to Johnnie Green and even prefers it to Blue. I’d give it 6 stars if I could.

30th June 2018

The smoothest whiskey I've tasted. I love it .

2nd June 2018

My error

29th April 2018

I tend to stay with bourbon ... but this an excellent change of pace with a very reasonable price tag. Smooth with a litte more intrigue and kick than other Irish whiskies

29th April 2018

After tasting Teeling Single Grain I expressed a desire to try more of their range. I decided on this one being a fan of rum as well as whiskey! For me this beats the Single Grain, which is also amazing! The nose has a citrus nature that you get with good rum, along with a palate so smooth that you know you are drinking Irish Whiskey... Fabulous! Whoever blended this is a genius!!!

20th April 2018

smooth and very nice taste

2nd April 2018

I like it more every time I taste it.

17th March 2018

Amazing!

9th March 2018

Smooth, with notes of apple and pear ..& signature sweetness!

9th March 2018

Six stars

9th June 2017

A beautiful blend, just finished a dram and the taste is still lingering on tempting me to go for more. Its slightly fruity and very easy to drink , not over spicy. If I had to stay in hospital ,I would want this in my I V drip.

6th May 2017

Just loving this one. The rum cask gives it a spiced dimension and it has intensified the rich flavours. Overall gorgeous but some young whiskies in this blend. Good to see it bottled at 46% and unchillfiltered.

27th March 2017

Usually I review scotch on here but it is St. Paddy's here in California and I figured better go Irish today. This is good stuff I am a little too drunk to go into detail but tastes like chococlate honey and is 46% non chill filtered and natural color.Drink it it is good. Slainte! The Sugarbear

18th March 2017

well 'tis me first time tasting it and, being used to the taste and aroma of Bushmills 10year malt as well Connemara single malt, I was pleasantly surprized. I will definitely add Teeling small batch to my favorites. Natalie-Dominique South Africa

25th February 2017

I got my first taste of this whiskey at The Irish Whiskey Museum and then was able to tour the distillery. This is the legacy of an older Irish Whiskey that closed in the 70's. The grandsons have restarted it - they actually greeted guests on the tour I took in July of 2015. Give this whiskey a try and tour the distillery on your next trip to Dublin!!

28th January 2017

Love this whiskey
Lovely balance between the malt and grain with an extra layer of character from the rum

10th January 2017

Love the black bottle so much more than Teeling single malt. Sweet favourable with a kick. Thoroughly enjoy it each time I have it. People who I buy it for are quite surprised of how good it is and how unlike it is to others. Highly recommended..

6th January 2017

This is a nice tot but the price is in the single malt range.

26th December 2016

I cant see why it has given 4 stars.. To be honest. Let this blend stay for what it is and buy a good single malt! There are plenty enough cheaper single malt that are def triple worth the money of this shit.
It just taste like they added 50% water with the whiskey. Its only has a rum smell and a alcoholic taste. Please invest your money in a good whisky

20th December 2016

Nice!...."Irishish Whiskey".... where it a started for me!
This is a nice blended malty whiskey. Notes of honey, new shoes, fresh cut weeds, baking spice and vanilla. An exceptional starter to those fearing the world of whiskey/whisky! Nothing to turn your nose up at! Invite a friend and have a tip! Sláinte!

11th December 2016

On the nose, this whisky made me feel as though I was sitting on a porch in the south, wafting in the scent of fresh cut grass. As I tasted it, I was impressed with the way in which the hints of rose petal jelly just bounced of my tastebuds. It was truly astounding. It then followed up with a hint of saltiness and caramel, as it slowly trickled its way into my belly. Was this dram world changing for me? No. But I am surely better for having it in my life.

~RP

10th December 2016

Telling Small Batch Irish Wiskey was the perfect addition to the afternoon great flavor

24th November 2016

Love this Whiskey

23rd November 2016

A very complex flavor and long finish.
It manages to marry the Irish style with rum which adds varied flavors (pear , marmalade, among others)
The 92percent abv adds length to the finish. Great work.

13th November 2016

I think this whiskey is both suitable for some carefull disecting and reflection upon the flavors and nose, but also for just rewinding after a long day of hard work. It has some subtle flavors which can be meditated on, but for me, It's just a really smooth blend, that I enjoy as an everyday whiskey.

46% and non chill filtered. What's not to like?

I'll be looking forward to try Teelings Single Malt next.

Tomas

31st October 2016

Tasted this at the Teeling distillery in Dublin. I enjoyed this, but the fact that it's aged in about half a dozen different barrels makes a slightly muddled and confusing drink. I love the experimentation, bit it's probably the worst of the three that I tasted, but still pretty good!

23rd October 2016

I love a good Irish whiskey and a big fan of the Teeling Small Batch and some of their other bottlings. Packs more flavor than other Irish whiskeys without losing its easy to drink nature. Definitely recommend.

7th September 2016

I'm a beer drinker through and through but picked this up on a whim months ago. Today I just purchased my 3rd bottle. I really like it on the rocks. A nice alternative after work when I simply want one drink to unwind.

I find the initial sip to be a bit forward and abrupt, but then there is a sweetness and spice that settles in and it finishes smooth.

27th August 2016

I mostly drink beer and rare occasion a nice tequila. Decided to expand my horizons and bring a nice Irish Whiskey home. I've had some here and there over the years but mostly in an Irish Coffee. I must say the Teeling Small Batch was a pleasant surprise to me. There is a subtle sweetness to the smooth and creamy mouth feel of this Whiskey, without the burn I was expecting. I finished the bottle quicker than I'd hoped, which is a good thing I guess. Will be buying again.

17th July 2016

Being a HUGE Red Breast and Green Point fan, this Teeling Small Batch rum casks whiskey is top notch and affordable!

15th July 2016

Subtle and straightforward. Cut grass is very obvious. Underwhelming finish.

7th May 2016

I wouldn't go as far as to call this whisky boring, because that sounds like a negative review. And I don't see this whisky being negative. I just also don't see it as being positive. It is very..."meh". It is forgetable. It isn't interesting, it isn't bad, but it also isn't good. I didn't remember what it tastes like in between sips to even finish this review.

15th April 2016

An Irish whiskey that is still smooth but has bags of flavour = Teeling Small Batch

11th April 2016

Tasted at the Whisky Live in London 2016. A fine whisky and would recommend it to anyone with taste.

19th March 2016

Normally American whiskey drinker but really appreciate the fruit/sweet/spice balance you get with this.

16th March 2016

one of the best Irish whisky's tasted in ages ; smooth rum cast rich flavour very good value for the money ,highly recommended ,

8th March 2016

Yum

6th March 2016

Lovely taste with a kick

5th February 2016

Had a sample gift bottle bought when the wife went to Dublin. Then had a gift set with glasses bought for Christmas. That's gone so had to buy another from these guys ..... (Will be back for another in February!!)

13th January 2016

Way too sweet

10th January 2016

This whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV so needs a drop of water or a couple of ice cubes. The vanilla and candied fruits explode. This Irish has the longest sweet finish of any that has passed my lips. Great sipping whiskey.

7th January 2016

A great earthy whiskey from Teeling Whiskey Company. The distillery is only 30 min from Bray so, I can't wait to get some more!

29th December 2015

Is it perfect? No. But it is one of the better Irish Whiskey's that I have had. Grassy, allspice on the nose. Creamy on the palate with vanilla and a rich piney finish. Tail is slightly bitter and lasts a wee bit. I would buy this before a bottle of Bushmills.



Final Note: I am doing the 2015 advent calendar. As a result, I get one drink at it to decide if I like it enough to buy more. Sometimes I need to drink something three or four times to make up my mind. Thus, my rating is based on a one-time drink experience.

24th December 2015

Having tried the Teeling single malt and loved it, I was looking forward to this but it was quite a letdown.
Just bitter sharp alcohol taste without a whole lot of flavor to make it distinctive. Its been a while since I shuddered after taking a mouthful of whisky, but this produced that effect. Won't be going for it again.

13th December 2015

Purchased a bottle of Teeling on a whim. Very disappointing. Rough and raw, guess its quite fitting for an IRISH Whisky. Definitely better options out there in this price range.

17th November 2015

Rich malt, spicy blend best drank neat or on the rocks.

13th November 2015

A longtime Bushmills and Tullamore drinker I was pleasantly surprised by this Teeling whiskey. Very smooth with a great aroma. A little stronger at 46%, but very pleasant all told.

6th November 2015

Love the subtle Rum influence

4th November 2015

Tried it while in their distillery in Newmarket and absolutely loved it. If you are looking for an Irish whiskey with more character then this is it.

13th October 2015

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey is great sipping whiskey. Nice smooth taste, subtle back notes of dark rum. Best served neat or with a few ice cubes. Don't want to dilute the flavor. I like single malt scotch but this has been my main purchase in the last few weeks. Teeling also makes a whiskey aged in wine barrels (cab/sav). More expensive but not as good. Sorry Teeling....

5th October 2015

I found the Teeling small batch to be excellent flavour and drink ability ! I like my whiskey a little cool so I put 2 small ice cubes in an double shot and found it to be very smooth and had no harshness at all ! I paid below market price by a few dollars and would say it is absolutely worth every penny ! I will continue to explore this fine whiskey.... One glass at a time!

29th August 2015

Love it like sweet nectar

12th August 2015

Will put fire in your belly for sure! Worth the price.

8th August 2015

I LOVE Irish Whiskey. My favorite is probably Greenspot, with Redbreast running a close second. That is, until I tried this fantastic Teeling small batch... which I gotta say I like about as much as Redbreast 12year. While it is strong and the alcohol does overwhelms without a bit of water, this is one of the things I love about it. The strong alcohol content really brings out the flavor. Add about a teaspoon of water, let it settle for a bit, and it's fantastic. And it's less expense that Redbreast as well ;-)

7th July 2015

Could this be my new favorite "Irish Whiskey"
On the plus side:
Nice smooth taste, goes down easily. Maybe too easily.
On the other side:
Slightly smaller bottle (700 ml vs 750 ml) and a touch pricy. (hey but you get what you pay for)

26th June 2015

A good price but a little young.really taste the alcohol in this one.would recoomend the single malt over this for only 10euro more.

21st February 2015

my new favourite Irish whiskey

17th February 2015

For this that day it's harsh... Well it's free cask at 46% alc. They chose not to water it down but if you like me slap a dash of water in there and it's smooth as silk ( but let it mix well and swill first for awhile).

30th January 2015

Got bottling from 11/14 after tasting it in Dublin airport while flying abck.
Smooth sweet with very subtle rum/raisin notes - whats not to like!

28th January 2015

Ive just opened a bottle from new batch (09/14).
I must say: not bad, not bad at all! Tips: add water and leave it for some time to settle.
And at the end: can anybody show me other BLEND bottled @46%, non chill filtered, produced in batches at similar price?

11th January 2015

as others have said this is harsh with little flavour, it could be mistaken for bells!!!

2nd January 2015

This the first time I've tasted a whiskey that doesn't really taste like any whiskey at all.
Don't get me wrong. I like it very much. But it reminds me of spicey Snaps.
I'm not to say if this is a "real" whiskey. But it is something new that's for sure.
Good work

25th December 2014

I really *want* Teeling to do well. I think the people behind it did amazing stuff with the Cooley range over the past 15 or so years, really providing a credible alternative to the big players down in Middleton. But.. But... Despite excellent marketing I feel like Teeling haven't found their feet yet. I've tried the small batch on a few occassions and no matter how I want to like it I find that it's a very rough product. Tastes like a very young whiskey. The grassy and floral notes are there, but this is no Green Spot, there's an unforgiveable bite at the back of it all. Short finish. Come on Teeling - let's have future offerings of "The Spirit of Dublin" live up to the marketing blarney!

15th December 2014

I'm a bourbon guy! Have been, always will be! But recently, the bourbon posse of posers and collectors have caused me to stop chasing the elusive great bottles of bourbon and to start chasing the great IRISH WHISKEY that is now available in the US.

First, there's not enough of the great Irish Whiskey's available in the US! We NEED MORE! I live in a country where I can't buy Teeling Single Grain, Teeling Silver Reserve and I've never seen Teeling Gold Reserver, although I don't think I can afford that bottle. Even the Teeling Poitin, I would buy, because of how the Teeling Small Batch has changed so many people's belief's about Irish Whiskey. Here's how that happens in my world.

Any time I'm introducing someone to this present new breed of Irish Whiskey, I reach for a bottle of Teeling. It's floral, light, sweet, has that "green apple" and "sweet dewy meadow on a spring day" flavor, that anyone who is new to drinking whiskey or thinks Irish Whiskey is only the two standards found in every bar, they are overwhelmed with this beautiful, complex, delicate, "entry level" flavor and gentle warmth Teeling brings. I LOVE IT!! And when someone who says, "I don't drink whiskey," or "I don't drink Irish Whiskey," and they come back for seconds? They're hooked.

Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey is special. So special. Go get yourself some today!!

7th December 2014

Day two dram on the advent calendar! What a surprise. The high ABV and non chill filtering and rum cask make this a very different Irish whiskey. Never a fan of irish whiskey before but this has opened my eyes.

4th December 2014

Never been a fan of Irish whiskey and this has done nothing to change my opinion. Sharp, acidic, harsh.

2nd December 2014

Day two of the advent calendar, and after the Haig Club of day one I;m apprehensive. As it turns out I needn't have been.

Definite citrus scent backed up with vanilla and brown sugar. To taste it begins promisingly enough but once the alcohol hits your tongue it overwhelms the flavours, almost like a cask strength without the body to back it up. However...

Add a splash of water and it's a revelation. Toning down the alcohol opens it up and lets you taste the spice and vanilla and an undertone of dark rum and smoke. Wouldn't agree with the tasting notes above on the herbs and floral side but a dark caramel at the end is definitely there,

Not one for peat lovers and not overly complicated but for a wee drop on a cold evening you could do a lot worse.

2nd December 2014

Nose: Cut grass from the fields of Valhalla. Allspice from the table of Asgard, hints of Odin's Mother's apple pie.

Palate: If the 300 had tasted this on the eve of the Battle of Thermopylae, then history would have turned out very different. Spices, Cinnamon, exotic fruits abound.

Finish: Mountain wildflowers, caramel like Grandma used to make, hints of Sadness and Regret if it's the last dram from the bottle.

Overall: Indescribably good offering from people who really know what they're doing around a still full of Alcohol.

2nd December 2014

LIKED THIS BUT TOO EASY TO DRINK IF THAT IS A BAD THING

27th November 2014

Having tasted this on a recent trip through Dublin Airport I bought a bottle! So much flavour and very unexpected from an Irish whiskey! Hoping my wife takes the hints for Christmas as my bottle is almost empty!

25th November 2014

Yummy just tried this in a hot toddy and perfect even without any sugar!!
Think I will have to buy another bottle for my husband for Christmas.

24th November 2014

Got this as a gift loved it! going to try the single grain next!!

24th November 2014

just cracked another bottle from a different batch date and got to say just as good as the first one. rum aging just imparts enough to make this very interesting

24th November 2014

...for nail polish with rubber taste.

22nd November 2014

No idea where good reviews for this whisky come from. It smells bad, has a decent taste and a tiny finish. Forgotten in a second... and therefore was destined for the 2014 advents calendar. Nobody would purchase it voluntarily.

22nd November 2014

A few dross across the guns reveals a complex and amazing flavor, but enough to touch the tongue reveals a young alcohol flavor that disrupts everything. Avoid this whiskey until it matures.

13th November 2014

Too much alcohol taste och too strong, not a plasure as a whisky should be

7th November 2014

Loved it! One of the best Irish I've tried. Smooth and balanced.

27th October 2014

Went to a tasting in Christchurch and really enjoyed this whiskey. In the past I have drunk Scotch Whisky but bought a bottle of this it was so nice, smooth and flavoursome and dare I say even better with a splash of water.

25th October 2014

Help! When I pour my self a glass of this i get one sip and my wife takes it away and drinks it.

21st October 2014

This whiskey has a higher alcohol content than usual (46%), and the alcohol flavor really overwhelms any subtle flavors this whiskey might have. There is no sweetness to it, but a harsh alcohol flavor and smell to it.

4th October 2014

I have liked Pot Still whiskey better than malt Irish. For example Redbreast 15 year was for me the best. My first taste of Teelings taught me better. A mast can doesn't have to taste like Scotch or Scottish malt. It can have its own character and taste. What is compelling about Teelings in the full bouquet of tastes and flavors. And the long lasting after taste. If you demand a sipping whiskey whose flavor is full, but not peaty, this is the whiskey for you. It is excellent and something new. Try it.

10th August 2014

Remarkably smooth with a perfect finish. One of my favourites in quite some time.

1st August 2014

The above review was meant to be for "Feckin Irish Whiskey". I happen to like Teeling very much.

5th July 2014

I don't know if the recipe has changed since 2013, but this is NOT $40 good. Get one of the bigger name Irish whiskies that's been in the game longer, you'll be much happier.

5th July 2014

The aroma is beguiling. I love the texture on the palate, which I prefer to non-chilled filtered whiskies. There's a pleasant oily residue on the tongue. And I don't find the 46% abv overpowering at all. Along with Laphroiag, my favoured whiskey.

28th June 2014

Even when I might not actually drink this Whiskey, I sometimes open the bottle and enjoy the splendid Rum tinged aroma. The Whiskey itself is so drinkable, smooth, warm vanilla and spice, and then the Rum aftertaste lingering makes it even more special. I have sampled a number of new (to me) Whiskeys in the past few weeks and this one really stood out. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.

16th June 2014

Having a glass right now very good whisky one of the only once I drink neat

23rd April 2014

I get really fed up with whiskey snobs "I only drink malt" Get a life!! I have been drinking whiskey for over 40years, (im 46....not!) This is a great whiskey, however at 46abv (92proof for our colonial drinkers) it needs a splash of water to release the flavour. On the nose vanila and floral,on the palate lingering oils with a rumbustious rum finish...gorgeous. My favourite whisky is Ardbeg,this is my 2nd favourite. Just get some

17th April 2014

Here in British Columbia... bought a bottle and was pleasantly surprised! Love Irish whiskey and have a new favorite!

6th April 2014

My grandmother was a Teeling!! I am looking forward to a wee dram soon.

6th April 2014

Tried this at City Airport... beautifully smooth and a long finish from the rum barrel. Can't wait to get over to Dublin to drink it at the distillery!

20th March 2014

We share the Teeling name and can't wait to taste Teeling Whiskey here in the states. Hope it's coming soon.

10th February 2014

Santa was good and got a bottle of this. Disappeared too quickly and couldn't believe the ladies really got stuck into it.

1st January 2014

I wouldn't fancy your chances with a cask strength dram then!

4th December 2013

Completely taken aback by this Whiskey, so smooth and easy to drink and for the price is best in show

17th October 2013

Very nice whiskey that does taste typically irish.
The rum finish is a nice bonus. @ £30-ish per bottle its a value for money whiskey,
however @ a higher price I would not buy it.
/mike-stockholm-sweden

22nd August 2013

This is a superb new whiskey that has character that suits the modern age and at 46 per cent should have a dash of your favourite mineral water to suit your taste. No more Mr Macho. Enjoy!

1st August 2013

Was suprised that this was a blend. Malty mouth feel. Starts with cream, then sweet blood orange. Vanilla custard and tropical fruits dominate. The maturation in Flor de Cana barrels, give it that spiciness one would expect from the Nicuaraguan rum style. Great bang for your buck whiskey. Fantastic addition to the growing Irish whiskey,s in the world.
For a blend 10/10.
I dont understand why the person just before me tastes something harsh. In my case its so easy drinking. Noharshness at all

31st July 2013

A nice enough wiskey with interesting tastes from being matured in a rum cask however I guess due to its 46% strength it has a fairly harsh taste which unfortunately masks a lot of the subtle taste for me and the others I do advise having a try though since it does have a unique taste

21st June 2013

I didn't think Irish whiskey could be this complex...rum cask finish and non chill filtered@46%.. thank god for online retailers for further due diligence!!

20th June 2013

Good and interesting dram - like the rum influence.

14th June 2013

Love the sweet and smooth taste of Irish and this is just more of what I like. Great mouth feel probably from not being chill filtered with extra molasses sweetness from the rum makes this dangerously drinkable especially when you consider it is 46%. Definitely worth checking out.

29th May 2013

Teeling out does itself ! the hint of vanilla is the first taste as i had my drink at the Palace Bar in Dublin. The smooth finish is fantastic. Creamy. but it is whiskey and a really good one .

14th May 2013