Teeling Whiskey Wonders of Wood Series 3 Swedish Oak
The Irish Teeling Distillery is releasing the third part of its Wonders of Wood series in Germany today. After Chinkapin Oak (Part 1) and Portuguese Oak (Part 2), the next cask from Northern Europe is now selected: Virgin Swedish Oak. The recipe is supposedly simple: the triple-distilled single pot still Irish whiskey, made from 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, matures for an unknown number of years exclusively in barrels of a rare Swedish white oak. The whiskey is bottled non-chill-filtered at an alcohol strength of 50%. We are very curious to see what influence the wood has had on the distillate. Speaking of wood: Teeling works together with the Tree Council of Ireland and actively cares for the wood stock of native trees.
Tasting Notes
Nose
It is clear from the very first nosing that this whiskey has depth. The flavours develop slowly, starting off light and floral, with a hint of citrus fruit that seems almost playful. But then the heavier notes come into play. A fascinating spiciness, paired with toasted oak, runs through the entire flavour. The vanilla remains subtle, but it is there, lending the whole a soft, sweet note. After a little time in the glass, there is even a floral hint of elderflower - a surprising twist.
Palate
In the mouth, the woody flavour asserts itself with full force. The first sip is intense, almost rough, with a clear woody character reminiscent of a well-seasoned oak barrel. But the Teeling whiskey does not remain one-dimensional. Over time, exciting nuances develop in the glass: mint, dark chocolate and a bright cherry note emerge. The longer you keep the whisky on your tongue, the nuttier and stronger it becomes. The mouthfeel is almost oily, the texture rich and heavy. There are sweet notes of molasses and hints of walnut oil, which are rounded off by a light tannin note.
Finish
It lingers on the palate for a long time, dry and with a light pepper spice that pleasantly rounds off the flavour. A pinch of nutmeg and the omnipresent toasted oak wood accompany the final moments, while the vanilla note gently fades away.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
A whisky that’s great fun with its robust woodiness and playful citrus flair. The 50% ABV is wonderfully integrated, making every sip an experience and inviting you gladly on this spicy journey. For anyone who enjoys a whisky with character, featuring sweet and nutty depth, this Teeling is a well-rounded choice.
Sascha 80/100
The balance between the intense wood character and the delicate aromas of mint, cherry, and chocolate is remarkably well achieved here. The powerful structure at 50% ABV is neatly rounded off by a long, dry finish with spicy nuances, even though the wood dominance occasionally feels a bit too pronounced. A technically flawless Irish Pot Still that impresses with its complexity and texture.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Teeling. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Related Reviews
Redbreast Tawny Port
We've had Irish whiskeys with the iconic robin logo in our glasses time and time again in the past. And the Redbreast releases from the Middleton distillery have consistently won us over. As part of the Iberian Series, we now have the Redbreast Tawny Port, following a well-established recipe. This Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey aged in Bourbon and Oloroso casks, followed by a final 14-25 month finishing period in Tawny Port Hogsheads. The end product, however, is bottled without specifying its age.
82/100
Teeling Single Pot Still (2024)
The Teeling Single Pot Still marks an exciting milestone in the history of the Teeling Distillery, which opened its doors in Dublin in 2015. This whiskey is special as it is the first independently produced Single Pot Still whiskey from the distillery. Made from a mix of 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, it represents Irish whiskey tradition at its finest. Triple-distilled and aged in a combination of fresh white oak, ex-bourbon, and wine casks, it offers a unique array of aromas and flavors. With an ABV of 46% and no age statement, this whiskey delivers a refreshing reinterpretation of the Irish Single Pot Still whiskey.
71/100
Four Roses Single Barrel
The Four Roses Single Barrel is a bourbon that presents whisky lovers with an interesting challenge. With no age statement, but matured for at least seven years in freshly charred American oak barrels, this whisky has a remarkable depth. With an alcohol content of 50% by volume, it immediately shows that it is aimed more at connoisseurs who prefer stronger, spicier bourbon notes.
71/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Swedish white oak influence the taste of this whiskey compared to other types of wood?
Swedish white oak imparts an intense wood note with roasted oak and fine tannin elements to the whiskey. Compared to chinkapin or Portuguese oak, it brings a stronger, almost rougher wood spice along with subtle floral nuances like elderflower.
Why is the Teeling Whiskey Wonders of Wood Series 3 bottled without chill filtration, and what effect does this have on the tasting experience?
Non-chill filtration preserves more natural oils and aromas in the whiskey, resulting in a fuller mouthfeel and more intense flavor. This ensures that the complex notes of wood, spices, and fruit remain better intact, providing a richer tasting experience.
What significance does the collaboration with the Tree Council of Ireland have for the production of this whiskey?
Teeling collaborates with the Tree Council of Ireland to promote the preservation and sustainable management of native tree species. This partnership supports responsible use of wood resources, which are also crucial for the whiskey’s barrel maturation.