Teeling debuts 40YO for €15,000

Irish whiskey producer Teeling has released a 40-year-old as its oldest expression to date, limited to just 140 bottles.

Teeling 40 Years Old is said to be one of the oldest bottlings of Irish single malt ever released. The expression has been launched as part of Teeling’s Vintage Reserve Collection, joining a 33-year-old and a 37-year-old in the range. The 40-year-old bottling was distilled in 1983 and was matured exclusively in an ex-Bourbon cask for more than 40 years, before being hand-bottled in a decanter at 42.2% ABV, straight out of the cask. The resulting liquid offers an aroma of light berry fruit compote with hints of blueberry and strawberry, honey, spearmint, candied orange zest and light spices. The palate brings flavours of coconut, milk chocolate, peach sorbet, honeydew melon and tangerine. Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, called the expression a "rare piece of Irish whiskey history – 40 years in the making”. The expression will be available initially from the brand's distillery in Dublin for €15,000 (US$16,300) per 700ml, before being rolled out to a very select few partners domestically and globally. As part of the launch, Teeling has revealed its new Phoenix Rising Scholarship Programme, in partnership with Technological University Dublin. Through the scheme, the company aims to support and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators in the Irish brewing, distilling and hospitality industries. Eligible students will receive mentoring from Teeling employees across various departments, while a portion of the proceeds raised from the sale of the brand's 40-year-old whiskey will go towards funding their studies. Stephen Teeling, sales and marketing director for Teeling Whiskey, added: “Social sustainability has always been a priority for us at Teeling Whiskey and we are committed to playing our part in the Dublin community, supporting those across our industry. “We can think of no better use of our new 40-year-old then to help us support and inspire the new generation of Irish whiskey makers. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through these scholarships, we aim to give back as much as we can locally here in Dublin."