Teeling 18 Year Old The Renaissance Series No 2 – Australian Shiraz Casks

I was very much impressed with the first Teeling in this Renaissance series, that was finished on Madeira casks. I called it Irish glühwein. The second one in the series got a finish on Australian Shiraz casks, a wine from a grape variety that was brought from the Middle East to France during the Crusades, but I digress. This sounds equally interesting.

Outstanding notes on tropical fruit in a stew (pineapple, mango, banana, strawberry) with a hint of bubble gum. OMG, I am in love! I can smell this for days. Candy-like, sure, but that does not bother me in the slightest.

On the palate the influence of the Shiraz casks is very clear, but at no point does it dominate. The Teeling DNA remains intact and is beautifully flanked by tropical sweet fruit with a soft spiciness. Even the fact that it is bottled at ‘only’ 46% is a non-issue. That balance is fine, just like the body of this beautiful malt.

Long, sweet, spicy, warm finish.

Hallelujah, I have to get me a bottle of this. You would start a crusade for less. Around 130 EUR only. No brainer! Thank you, Benny.