Teeling Releases Explorers Series 15 Year Old Japanese Edition Irish Whiskey

Teeling Whiskey recently added to the brand’s Explorers Series, a 15 Year Old Japanese Edition Irish Whiskey.

The whiskey maker noted that the new expression uses Mugi Shochu casks for finishing, giving the liquid a blend of Japanese and Irish flavors.

Teeling’s Japanese Edition whiskey first aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 11 years. It went on to finish four more years in the former Mugi Shochu spirit casks from Japan.

Teeling Whiskey recently added to the brand’s Explorers Series, a 15 Year Old Japanese Edition Irish Whiskey. (image via Teeling)

Shochu is a Japanese spirit, not wholly different than Sake, and it’s made from Mugi (Japanese for barley). It’s then fermented and distilled, matured in Japanese oak casks.

Teeling’s whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the Mugi Shochu casks, which the distiller describes as having notes of toasted barley, lychee and passion fruit, with a subtle hint of oak.

“With our new Explorers Series 15 Year Old Japanese Edition, we have pushed the boundaries of Irish whiskey by incorporating elements of Japanese craft spirits,” said Jack Teeling, founder and managing director.

“Through a friend living in Japan, we could source these casks directly and have been waiting patiently for over four years before we felt it was the right time to bottle up this one of a kind whiskey,” he added. “We believe this unique collaboration has resulted in a whiskey that truly represents the spirit of exploration, innovation, and craftsmanship that Teeling Whiskey stands for.”

Teeling’s Japanese Edition comes after their Brazilian Edition, made with Amburana Brazilian hardwood casks. That one was only available in Travel Retail.

For the Japanese edition, this is the first Explorers Series whiskey Teeling’s released outside of Travel Retail, and it will hit shelves in Ireland for €110 per 70cl bottle before being released in select international markets over the next few months.

For more information, check out www.teelingwhiskey.com.