Teeling Chestnut Oak Finish Distillery Exclusive, Chestnut Oak Cask, 46%

SoftshoeSoda25 Sept

Chestnut and cinnamon give the sweetness something to lean against, while peppercorn and soft tannins keep the palate from becoming all dessert. The medium dry, spiced finish sounds like a sensible exit.

The chestnut finish gives this a clear spiced thread, while cinnamon and roasted chestnuts sit alongside a generous run of caramel, banana and honey sweetness. That mix sounds inviting without being one-note; the medium-dry finish and lingering spice offer a counterpoint to the richer palate. It reads as an approachable Irish whiskey with enough wood spice to keep the sweetness in check, though the sweeter notes are prominent.