Teeling 21 Years - Rising Reserve No. 4 - White Wine Cask
Some whiskies do not captivate you loudly, but with quiet confidence. The Teeling 21 Years Rising Reserve No. 4 belongs precisely to this category. This Irish single malt tells a story of patience, cask craftsmanship and bold curiosity. In a short time, Teeling Distillery has earned a reputation for innovative maturation while consciously reconnecting with Ireland’s great whiskey heritage. After 18 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, this whisky received a three-year finish in white wine casks. This combination sets high expectations for elegance, depth and balance. Bottled at 46 percent ABV, it promises intensity without harshness and invites you to slow down and listen closely to what this cask has to say.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Right from the first nosing, the Teeling 21 Years presents itself as remarkably open and confident. An immediate, intense vanilla note rises from the glass and forms the foundation. Bright fruit aromas follow, led by citrus notes reminiscent of lemon zest and ripe grapefruit. This freshness is not sharp but wrapped in a warm sweetness of light malt and forest honey. With time in the glass, another layer unfolds. A fine cinnamon spice emerges, adding structure and depth. The influence of the white wine cask remains subtle, expressed more through elegant fruitiness than overt grape aromas. Overall, the nose feels clear, mature and well balanced, with no trace of alcoholic sharpness.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky instantly delivers on what the nose promised. The mouthfeel is incredibly creamy and almost oily, a hallmark of well-aged whiskies. The initial impression is fruity and sweet, with juicy pineapple and a pronounced honey note. This sweetness feels natural and never cloying. Shortly thereafter, a spicy development takes over. Cinnamon and nutmeg come to the fore, adding tension and complexity. A gentle grape sweetness from the white wine cask lingers subtly, seamlessly linking fruit and spice. What stands out most is the balance. No single note dominates; everything feels precisely calibrated. The alcohol is perfectly integrated, supporting the flavors rather than overpowering them.
Finish
The finish is full-bodied, dry and impressively long-lasting. Soft oak tannins gently coat the palate, conveying the calm authority that only extended maturation can provide. A bright, sweet fruit basket echoes on, accompanied by a renewed wave of spice in the background. Cinnamon and delicate oak spice slowly fade, leaving behind a warm and elegant impression. The finish feels mature, composed and deeply satisfying.
Thoughts
Marcel 87/100
With the Teeling 21 Year Rising Reserve No. 4, you get an Irish whisky that doesn’t shout loudly but simply convinces with its gentle sweetness and elegant spiciness. It’s a charming companion for relaxed evenings that remains approachable despite its complexity – a true moment of enjoyment for anyone willing to embark on a flavourful journey of discovery.
Sascha 87/100
The Teeling 21 Year Rising Reserve No. 4 impresses with its balanced interplay of fruitiness, spicy depth, and the subtle influence of the white wine cask. The structured aroma profile, perfectly integrated with 46% ABV, delivers a harmonious mouthfeel that offers both complexity and an elegant creaminess – a technically well-crafted Irish single malt with remarkable maturation depth.
Value for Money: No rating
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86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the white wine cask finish influence the taste of the Teeling 21 Year Rising Reserve No. 4?
The three-year finish in white wine casks imparts a subtle, elegant fruitiness with a light grape sweetness that harmoniously ties together the fruity and spicy notes without imposing distinct grape flavours.
What makes the Teeling 21 Year Rising Reserve No. 4 stand out compared to other Irish single malts?
Its combination of 18 years maturation in American bourbon barrels followed by a white wine cask finish, along with its creamy mouthfeel and balanced interplay of fruit, spice, and sweetness, sets it apart from classic Irish whiskeys.
Why is the 46% alcohol content important for the tasting experience of the Teeling 21 Year?
At 46% ABV, the whisky has enough intensity to carry its complex aromas without feeling harsh or overpowering, resulting in an elegant and harmonious enjoyment.