Teeling

Introduction:

Teeling Distillery takes a unique approach to its Whiskeys, emphasizing natural processes and higher bottling strengths. The distillery offers three standard bottles, each with its own distinct maturation and finishing process. The Small Batch is aged for approximately six years and finished in Rum casks, imparting additional flavors and complexity. The Single Grain undergoes maturation in Californian Red Wine casks for around five to six years, adding unique characteristics to the Whiskey. The Single Malt, also aged for about six years, goes through a finish in five different Wine and fortified Wine casks, creating a diverse flavor profile.

What sets Teeling Distillery apart is its commitment to preserving the natural qualities of its Whiskeys. They do not use artificial coloring or engage in chill-filtration, allowing the Whiskeys to maintain their authentic colors and flavors. Furthermore, Teeling bottles its Whiskeys at 46% ABV or higher, ensuring that the addition of water or ice does not cause clouding or diminish the drinking experience. This dedication to quality and preserving the integrity of their Whiskeys is a distinctive aspect of Teeling’s production philosophy.

The Production:

Teeling Distillery has a rich history intertwined with the whiskey production in Dublin. They previously owned the Cooley distillery, where the grains were distilled using a large column still, while the malt whisky was produced on two Scottish-style pot stills. However, Teeling now operates in their new facility located in Dublin, specifically on the grounds where the old Newmarket once stood. The Newmarket square played a significant role in the trading of grains and malts from the region, making it a central location for many distilleries in Dublin.

In terms of water source, Teeling Distillery benefits from an underground river that flows beneath the distillery. This underground river provides the essential water needed for the distillation process, contributing to the unique character and quality of Teeling Whiskeys. The combination of historical significance and access to this natural water source adds to the distillery’s appeal and ability to produce distinctive spirits in the heart of Dublin.

The Pot stills:

At the Teeling distillery, they uphold the traditional Irish pot still triple distillation method. The shape of their pot stills is particularly notable and unique within Irish whiskey production. The pot stills are wide and flat, with a distinctive conical shape at the bottom. This shape sets them apart, as the majority of Irish whiskey distillation is typically carried out using large column stills. Similar pot stills can be found in museums, such as the one in Midleton.

During the distillation process, the spirit is carefully distilled to a high strength of 80% to 90%. This higher strength would typically result in a fine industrial-style whiskey. However, due to the unique shape of Teeling’s pot stills, the spirit acquires a slightly spicier character compared to the norm. This adds a distinctive flavor profile to their whiskey, showcasing the craftsmanship and individuality of their distilling techniques.

The Malting:

Teeling Distillery takes pride in sourcing its malt and grain from Irish farmers, ensuring an authentic Irish product. Their traditional recipe calls for a 50% malt and 50% grain blend, which they use for their small batches. The Single Malt, on the other hand, is crafted exclusively from 100% malted barley.

One unique aspect of the Teeling distillery is their use of a wet malt mill. This milling process involves grinding the grain while injecting water, which helps to prevent the formation of dust that can be hazardous in traditional milling methods. The wet malt mill enhances safety and cleanliness during the production process.

In addition, Teeling offers a single grain whiskey that is made from 100% unmalted grains. This unique blend combines Irish barley grain with corn sourced from the south of France, resulting in a distinct flavor profile for their single grain whiskey.

The Warehouse:

Teeling Whiskey is matured in the town of Greenore, located approximately one hour north of Dublin. Greenore is renowned for its deep-water harbor, providing a convenient location for the maturation of the whiskey.

In the warehouses, the casks are stored upright on pallets. This method ensures that the whiskey inside the casks remains in contact with the wood, allowing for optimal maturation. Additionally, the warehouses contain various uniquely shaped larger casks, which are used for finishing the whiskey. These casks, often sourced from wine and sherry producers, impart distinct flavors and characteristics to the finished whiskey.

The climate in Greenore is maritime, characterized by cool summers and mild winters. This climate, along with the influence of the nearby coast, plays a role in the maturation process and contributes to the development of the whiskey’s flavor profile.

History:

The Teeling family has a long history in the whiskey business, dating back to 1782 when Walter Teeling established his small distillery on Marrowbone Lane in Dublin. The current Teeling Distillery, which opened in 2015, is located just a short distance from the original site.

With the opening of the new distillery, Teeling has returned to its roots in Dublin, reviving the city’s rich whiskey heritage. The distillery has been producing new spirits since its inauguration, and we can look forward to the release of Teeling’s first whiskey from the new facility around 2020. It’s an exciting development for Teeling and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

The Visitor Centre:

Indeed, the Teeling Distillery offers a comprehensive visitor center that provides a range of amenities and experiences. The display of pictures and old Teeling bottles adds to the historical ambiance and allows visitors to appreciate the distillery’s heritage. The cafe provides a space for guests to relax and enjoy refreshments, while the gift shop offers a variety of Teeling products and souvenirs.

The highlight of the visitor center is undoubtedly the distillery tour. Guests have the opportunity to walk through the distillery and witness the whiskey-making process firsthand. The distillery is designed with safety in mind, allowing visitors to get up close to the equipment, including the malt mill. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and artistry behind Teeling whiskey.

Overall, the visitor center at Teeling Distillery offers a well-rounded experience, combining history, education, and the opportunity to sample and appreciate Teeling’s fine whiskeys.

Visitor information:

Teeling Whiskey
13-17 Newmarket
Dublin 8
Tel: +353 (0)1-5310888
Email: hello@teelingwhiskey.com