When the Teeling Whiskey Company was founded in 2012, brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling first launched their Revival, signifying the rebirth of the Teeling brand, which was first established in 1782. Five years in they figured it was time for a breath of fresh air. Hence the current Renaissance Series, which recently saw the arrival of a second edition.
The Teeling 18 Years Renaissance Series No. 2 initially matured for 18 years in ex-bourbon barrels and was finished for 18 months in ex-Australian Shiraz wine casks. For those paying attention: that’s a total maturation time easily surpassing the 18 years mentioned on the label. So it’s actually a little older than it seems. Why would they do that? Beats me. Let’s taste!
Teeling 18 Years Renaissance Series No. 2 (46%, OB, 2020)
Nose: Apple sauce, red fruits, clementines and a touch of menthol and chalk, maybe even a whiff of pralines. Then we take a turn into stone fruit territory, mainly peach and nectarine pith.
Taste: Lovely fruitiness and I like how well-integrated this is. Never does the wine take over. There’s citrus fruits, plenty of strawberry, some mango and then Maraschino cherry, but then some powdered black pepper as well. Maybe not quite as rich as I’d like, but very good still.
Finish: Lingering juicy red fruits. Medium in length. Drying. Finally a touch of chocolate.
Score: 88
The Teeling 18yo Renaissance Series No. 2 strikes a good balance between ex-bourbon maturation and the finish in wine casks. Especially the vibrant, citrus fruitiness impresses.
Whisky provided by Teeling
