Teeling 21 Year Old 1991 Vintage Silver Reserve

Teeling is not only a bottler, but will soon start distilling again as well. They just bought the Dundalk Brewery for that purpose. But it will take years before they can release their own whisky. Until then they use casks from their former distillery Cooley and other resources in Ireland. This 21 Year Old 1991 Vintage was released as a Silver Reserve and got a Sauternes wine cask finish after its regular bourbon cask maturation.

The nose is delicate with floral elements, upholstered from the start with loads of fruit and even a hint of nuts. Yes, a nut pie with almond shavings. Hints of papaya and other tropical fruit. Softly spiced with a fresh touch of menthol. Becomes creamier over time. It pays to be patient.

Nicely oily on the palate with a bit of wood and spices up front. The wood is even a bit loud, but not disturbingly so. Then some soft, dark honey and a drop of maple syrup. Then the fruit returns. Think banana, peach, papaya again and a big chunk of pink grapefruit. Mild bitterness towards the end.

The fairly long finish also becomes pretty dry.

On the nose, I would swear this is a Bushmills. And why not? But over 150 EUR seems a bit much.