Teeling 21 Year Old Rising Reserve No 1

Rising Reserve... that sounds pretty impressive. After the Revival and Renaissance series, it is the new series of Teeling in which no less than 5 releases of 21-year-old whiskey will are bottled. The first appeared on the Belgian market at the end of 2022 and costs around 180 EUR. Admittedly, it is a very handsome decanter. No. 1 of this new series is a single malt that matured for 21 years in bourbon casks and was then finished for 5 years in Carcavelos barrels. Most of us would call Carcavelos white port, but since it is not made in the Douro Valley, it should not bear the name port. Anyway, we're mainly concerned with the whiskey, of course!

Particularly elegant, rich and very complex nose on stewed pears, honey, lime, apricots and grapes. Teeling's DNA is unmistakable, but is very nicely embellished here with extra deep, sweet and somewhat sweet touches that make the whole an impressive nose.

Great body. Immediately sweet and fruity on the tongue with orange, peach, apricots and lime, further complemented with creamy honey, grapefruit and walnuts and even some cigar box. Very complex and rich, though. Great balance too. Midpalate the tannin speaks to make it slightly drying with a perfect bitterness. Excellent!

Nice and long, spicy finish on peach and apricot, ginger and chestnuts.

I'm a bit speechless. Thx, Benny!