Teeling Irish Whiskey Tasting at The Drake

Skipping The Crowds

This St. Patrick's season, we traded in crowded pubs and the predictable pints for something a little more spirited. Our Teeling Whiskey tasting at The Drake invited our community to experience Irish whiskey through a different lens, one rooted in craft + creativity. Centered around Teeling Whiskey, the evening was a celebration of where Irish tradition meets modern innovation.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Rooted in Dublin since 1782, Teeling Whiskey represents a new chapter in Irish whiskey that honors tradition while unapologetically pushing it forward. Revived by a new generation of the Teeling family, the distillery has helped bring whiskey-making back to the heart of the city for the first time in over a century, all while redefining what Irish whiskey can be through innovative techniques and bold flavor profiles. With its balance of heritage and modern edge, it felt like the perfect spirit to feature as we kicked off St. Patrick's Day celebrations in a way that was anything but ordinary

Sips That Surprise

The tasting itself showcased the full range of what Teeling Whiskey does best: layering tradition with unexpected character across four distinct expressions.

Small Batch
We started with Teeling's Small Batch, a friendly, easy-going introduction. Finished in Central American rum casks, it hit you with vanilla, caramel, and subtle oak, while the palate revealed dried fruit, raisin, and a hint of spice. That rum influence? Just enough sweetness to make you want another sip without tipping into dessert territory. Smooth, warming, and approachable, it quickly became a crowd favorite.

Single Malt
The Single Malt showed off Teeling's more adventurous side. Made from 100% malted barley and matured in five different wine casks, it delivered a flavor journey with every sip. Aromas of melon, fig, and citrus came through on the nose, followed by a palate rich with dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. Guests noted how balanced it felt, bright and fruit-forward, yet grounded by subtle clove and oak undertones. It was a great example of how Teeling pushes boundaries while still maintaining elegance. 

Blackpitts Peated Single Malt
Blackpitts brought a completely different dimension to the tasting. This peated single malt introduced a smoky character, but in a way that surprised many guests. Not the harsh, medicinal peat you might expect, but a soft barbecue-like smoke that blended seamlessly with subtle sweetness and light fruit. Aged in ex-bourbon and Sauternes wine casks, it had just the right amount of richness. It challenged expectations of what peated whiskey "should" taste like, especially within the Irish category. For many, this was the most memorable pour of the night.

Single Grain
The Single Grain showed off Teeling's playful side. Primarily corn, aged in Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks, it delivered red berries, grape, and a light tannic dryness that gave it structure without feeling heavy. Silky, smooth, and easy to drink, it was a unique finale that contrasted nicely with the richer expressions before it. It was the perfect way to round out the tasting.

The evening felt like a refined prelude to St. Patrick's Day, a celebration that moved beyond the typical pub scene and into something more intentional. No rowdy crowds, just good whiskey, and even better company. With guided pours of Teeling Whiskey, guests were able to slow down, explore each expression, and connect over a shared appreciation for the craft. It was equal parts educational and social. 

Cocktails That Play

Of course, we didn't stop at straight pours. Cocktails added a playful twist to the evening. The Irish Maid was bright and refreshing, with elderflower and cucumber highlighting the whiskey's lighter side: spring-forward and crisp. Meanwhile, Shenanigans went all-in on warmth and celebration, blending allspice-infused honey with sparkling Brut Blanc de Blanc for a bubbly, spice-forward finish. Together, they reminded everyone that Irish whiskey isn't just for sipping, it's for having fun.

Bites That Bring It All Together

To round out the experience, guests enjoyed a selection of elevated bites designed to complement the depth and character of the whiskey. Foie Gras Meatballs brought a rich, indulgent pairing to the warmer, spicier whiskeys. Sourdough Crostinis with Roasted Tomato and Manchego offered a lighter, tangy contrast. And the Crispy Macaroni Poppers? Pure comfort-food joy, golden and creamy, perfect for pairing with the sweeter notes in the lineup. It was a full-on, immersive experience where food and whiskey danced together like they were made for each other.

When The Night Keeps Going

The night didn't end when the tasting wrapped, it simply evolved. Conversations moved to the bar, pours kept flowing, and the energy lingered long after the last sip. That's the magic of Irish whiskey, it brings people together. That night we all left not only with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the craft, but with new favorite pours, new connections, and a shared experience worth raising a glass to.

Sláinte! Here's to what's next.