Teeling 21 Year Old - Rising Reserve No. 3 - Ruby Port Cask
Rich, Dried Fruits2024-10-03
Smell
On the nose, the Teeling 21 Years immediately reveals its complexity. A sweet jam note reminiscent of a mix of apricots and strawberries rises to greet you. These fruity aromas are accompanied by a hint of vanilla before evolving into the scent of a freshly baked apple crumble. In the background, subtle herbal notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon can be detected, along with a trace of orange marmalade and a whiff of lightly toasted oak. This combination creates a pleasant balance and arouses curiosity for the first sip.
Taste
The palate is smooth and creamy. The sweetness of overripe red grapes, almost reminiscent of cherry bubblegum, comes to the forefront. This is followed by warming Christmas spices like cinnamon and cloves, adding a comforting, almost cozy depth to the whisky. The fruit notes from the nose remain present: apple crumble transforms into juicy apple pie, accompanied by exotic mango. Walnut and caramelized brown sugar with a touch of vanilla complete the flavor profile before slightly bitter notes of chocolate and oak coat the mouth. A faint hint of tobacco adds an additional layer of complexity.
Finish
The finish is long and multifaceted. Light citrus notes mingle with a sweet, dry caramel nuance. This is accompanied by a distinct woody note and elegant oak tannins that linger until the end. A light, tingling freshness and a hint of fresh grass round off the experience, making the Teeling 21 Years a harmonious work of art.
Thoughts
The Teeling 21 Years – Rising Reserve No. 3 impresses with its velvety texture and rich variety of aromas. While it carries a noticeable sweetness from its three-year maturation in Ruby Port casks, the wood notes remain ever-present, providing a pleasing structure. The interplay between ripe fruits, spices, and fine oak notes is particularly well-executed. The whisky is rich and intense without being too heavy. However, one should have an affinity for sweeter drams, as this note is prominent throughout the entire flavor profile.
With this edition, Teeling once again demonstrates how skillfully they combine classic Irish elements with modern cask aging. A whisky that appeals to both connoisseurs and beginners, leaving a lasting impression. Within the Teeling portfolio, the Rising Reserve No. 3 stands out for its complex fruitiness and balanced wood note, highlighting the distillery’s penchant for experimentation and quality.