Teeling Blackpitts Cask Strength

Score: 70

Teeling Blackpitts Cask Strength is a bold, smoky Irish single malt that pushes well beyond the usual boundaries of the category. Bottled at a hefty 56.5% ABV and matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, it’s a peated expression that leans into earthiness and char without losing its sweet, fruity core. Unlike the standard Blackpitts, which has a Sauternes finish, this cask strength version is all about purity, double distilled, non-chill filtered, and unapologetically intense. On the nose, it’s unmistakably smoky, but not in the Islay medicinal sense. Think old leather, cured meats, and baked apple, backed by vanilla and a touch of herbal sweetness. The palate is oily and full, with a wave of earthy peat, caramel, and spice, followed by hints of kiwi, gooseberry, and dark chocolate. There’s a greasy, barbecue-like quality to the smoke, more campfire than iodine. The finish is long and lingering, with lime juice, white pepper, and a steady pulse of smoke that never quite lets go. This isn’t a dram for everyone, but for those in the club who enjoy peat with personality, Blackpitts Cask Strength is a compelling pour. It’s rough-edged in the best way, young, fiery, and full of character. A dram that reminds you Irish whiskey can be just as rebellious as it is refined.