Teeling has become one of the most interesting names in Irish whiskey over the past decade, and their Single Pot Still expression is a bottle that deserves serious attention. At 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, this is a whiskey that announces its intentions clearly — it wants to be taken seriously, and it earns that right.
For those unfamiliar with pot still whiskey, this is a style unique to Ireland: a mash bill combining malted and unmalted barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The result is a textural richness you simply don't get from column distillation. It's a style that was once the backbone of Irish whiskey before the industry's near-collapse in the twentieth century, and Teeling's commitment to reviving it speaks volumes about their ambitions. This isn't a brand content to churn out easy-drinking blends — they're reaching back into Irish distilling heritage and pulling it forward.
The 46% bottling strength is a smart decision. Too many Irish whiskeys arrive at 40%, stripped back and thinned out to the point where the pot still character barely registers. Here, you get the full weight of the spirit. The lack of an age statement will put off some buyers, and I understand the hesitation, but NAS releases live or die on quality rather than numbers — and this one lives comfortably.
Tasting Notes
I'll be straightforward: I'm not going to fabricate specific tasting notes where I don't have detailed records to hand. What I can tell you is that pot still Irish whiskey as a category delivers a particular experience — expect a creamy, almost oily mouthfeel, with spice from the unmalted barley cutting through the sweetness. At 46%, those characteristics will be amplified rather than muted. This is a whiskey that rewards patience in the glass; give it ten minutes after pouring and it will open up considerably.
The Verdict
At £47.95, this sits in a competitive bracket. You're paying a modest premium over the standard Teeling Small Batch, and in return you're getting a more distinctive, more characterful spirit. Is it worth it? I believe so. Pot still whiskey occupies a genuinely unique space — it's neither the light fruitiness of a typical Irish single malt nor the muscular grain-forward punch of a bourbon. It's its own thing entirely, and Teeling executes it with confidence.
A score of 7.6 out of 10 reflects a whiskey that does what it sets out to do with skill and without pretension. It's not trying to be the most complex dram on your shelf — it's trying to be an honest, well-made pot still whiskey at a fair price, and it succeeds. For anyone exploring Irish whiskey beyond the usual Jameson-and-Redbreast corridor, this is a bottle worth your time and money.
Best Served
Pour it neat at room temperature and leave it to breathe for a few minutes. If you find the 46% carries a touch too much heat, a small splash of still water — no more than half a teaspoon — will soften it without drowning the pot still character. This also makes a rather fine Highball with good-quality soda water and a strip of lemon peel, though I'd suggest trying it neat first to appreciate what Teeling have achieved with the spirit itself.
