Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt

Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt is a peated, triple-distilled Irish single malt — a combination that barely exists elsewhere, since peat is a Scottish habit and triple distillation is an Irish one. It suits the drinker who likes Islay smoke but wants it wrapped in something sweeter and lighter.

Process & Profile

Blackpitts takes its name from the old malting quarter of Dublin's Liberties, directly behind Teeling's Newmarket Square distillery — the first new distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years when it started production in 2015, run by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling. The malt is peated to roughly 55 ppm, triple-distilled rather than the usual twice, then matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Sauternes wine casks. It is bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), non-chill filtered.

On the nose, soft peat smoke sits over honeycomb, pear, lemon zest, and a thread of vanilla — closer to bonfire than to iodine.

On the palate, sweet barley and mango arrive first, then the smoke builds through the middle alongside apricot jam and the botrytis honey character the Sauternes casks contribute.

The finish is smooth and gently smoky, with orchard fruit and light oak lingering rather than the ashy bite peat drinkers might expect.

The Sauternes component is the interesting decision here. Peated malt is usually finished in sherry or left in refill bourbon; running it against a sweet Bordeaux dessert-wine cask is what keeps the smoke from dominating and gives the mid-palate its stone-fruit weight. Blackpitts was only the second whiskey Teeling distilled at Newmarket Square, and it remains the distillery's peated flagship.

Serve neat in a Glencairn — at 46% and non-chill filtered it does not need water. Smoked salmon or a firm goat cheese plays to both the smoke and the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this whiskey?
A peated, triple-distilled single malt Irish whiskey distilled at Teeling's Dublin distillery.

What are the specs?
46% ABV, 92 proof, non-chill filtered, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Sauternes casks. There is no age statement on this release.

What does it taste like?
Gentle peat smoke with honeycomb, pear and lemon on the nose; sweet barley, mango and apricot with building smoke on the palate; a smooth, lightly smoky finish.

How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn, with smoked salmon or a firm goat cheese.

Why is this release notable?
Peated Irish whiskey is rare, and a peated malt triple-distilled and finished in Sauternes casks is close to unique in the category.