Teeling 18 Year Old The Renaissance Series No 3 – Muscat Wine Casks

Teeling's first Renaissance was an 18-year-old finished in Madeira and I found it to be nothing short of brilliant. The second on Australian Shiraz Casks was absolutely not inferior. The expectations for this third release – launched more than a year ago and this time with a finish at Muscat Wine Casks – are also high.

Oh, wow, I've only just poured out the whiskey and the room fills with delicious notes of tropical fruit. Nice and waxy on pineapple, quince, apricots and a cartload of fresh mango. Bergamot oil, aniseed and the zest of an overripe orange. And then a good dash of acacia honey on top. You guessed it: blissful nose that is thoroughly Irish.

The body is fairly light, but on the palate it is an absolute feast! All the tropical fruit of the nose comes back, but is enhanced with strawberries, fresh figs, peach and green grapes. Soft bitterness as of grapefruit, while an equally soft touch of pepper gives it some warmth. A fresh lift is provided by something reminiscent of menthol. What a belter!

The finish is long, über-fruity and gently drying.

This Renaissance also exceeds expectations. Is worth his 130 EUR! Thank you, Benny, for this pure indulgence.