Teeling 21 Years - Rising Reserve No. 3 - Ruby Port Cask
The Teeling 21 Years – Rising Reserve No. 3 is a Single Malt that stands out due to its long maturation period and exceptional cask selection. It initially aged for 18 years in ex-Bourbon barrels made from American white oak before receiving a three-year finish in Ruby Port casks. It is this finish that sets the whisky apart, adding an unmistakable sweetness and fruitiness to its profile. With an ABV of 46%, this Teeling is a true highlight within the portfolio of the Irish distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 88/100
With its sweet fruitiness and velvety texture, the Teeling 21 Year – Rising Reserve No. 3 is a genuine pleasure that delights and indulges the senses. Those who enjoy sweet, complex whiskies will find here a successful combination of a port wine finish and ripe fruit notes – simply a charming Irish dram that leaves you wanting more.
Sascha 87/100
The Teeling 21 Year impresses with its balanced interplay between sweet port wine notes and well-integrated wood and spice aromas. Its complex structure, featuring elegant tannins and a fresh, lightly spicy touch, makes it a technically accomplished single malt that, despite its intensity, feels harmonious and thoughtfully crafted.
Value for Money: No rating
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What special characteristics does the Ruby Port Cask Finish bring to the Teeling 21 Year?
The three-year finish in ruby port casks imparts a pronounced sweetness and fruity notes, especially of red grapes and berries, which clearly distinguish the tasting experience from classic bourbon barrel maturations.
How does the combination of bourbon barrels and port wine casks influence the character of this whisky?
The 18 years of maturation in bourbon barrels provides vanilla and oak aromas, while the subsequent ruby port finish adds fruity, jammy notes and a velvety sweetness, giving the whisky a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
Is the Teeling 21 Year – Rising Reserve No. 3 suitable for whisky beginners?
With 46% ABV and a complex aromatic profile of fruitiness, spices, and wood notes, this whisky is more suited to experienced connoisseurs who appreciate intense and multi-layered whiskies.