Teeling Phoenix Legends 2 Single Malt 16 Year Irish Whiskey 700ML

Teeling Phoenix Legends 2 Single Malt 16 Year Irish Whiskey 700ML is a limited-edition 16-year-old Irish single malt whiskey bottled at 46% ABV in a 700ml format. Only 1,500 bottles were produced, making this the second installment in Teeling's Phoenix Legends series—a collection that gained international attention after the first release, a 24-year-old expression, took home the World's Best Irish Single Malt title at the World Whiskies Awards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46%  |  Origin: Dublin, Ireland  |  Age: 16 Years  |  Distillery: Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Production & Heritage

Teeling Whiskey Distillery, founded by Jack Teeling and located in Dublin's Liberties district, became the first new distillery in the Irish capital in over 125 years when it opened in 2015. The Phoenix Legends 2 is a 100% malted barley single malt that spent 14 years maturing in ex-bourbon barrels before undergoing a two-year finishing period in Sicilian Marsala wine casks. Marsala casks are uncommon in Irish whiskey production and are valued for the layers of stewed fruit sweetness, brown sugar, and apricot character they contribute—a finishing choice that distinguishes this release from more conventional sherry or port cask finishes seen across the category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Golden honey and warm vanilla arrive first, followed by dried orchard fruit—apricot and fig—and toasted nuts. Subtle leather, a dusting of cinnamon, and a gentle floral lift round out the nose.

Taste: The entry is rich with dried fruit, including figs and apricot, layered over vanilla cream and roasted nuts. Mid-palate, dark chocolate undertones emerge alongside soft, wine-influenced stewed fruit from the Marsala cask finishing. The malt backbone stays present throughout, anchoring the sweetness with a toasted oak structure.

Finish: Long and elegant, with lingering sweet spice, oak tannins, and a gentle wine-sweet dryness. The Marsala influence carries through to the very end, leaving traces of dried fruit and warm nutmeg.

How to Drink Phoenix Legends 2

This whiskey is best appreciated neat or with a few drops of water to open up the Marsala cask influence and let the dried fruit complexity unfold. At 46% ABV without chill filtration, it holds its structure well without dilution, but a splash of water can amplify the floral and honeyed notes.

• Rob Roy: The dried fruit and dark chocolate character stands up to sweet vermouth, creating a rich, layered cocktail.
• Tipperary Cocktail: A classic Irish whiskey cocktail where the Marsala-influenced sweetness pairs naturally with green Chartreuse and sweet vermouth.
• Whiskey Sour: The honeyed malt and apricot notes give this sour a fruit-forward depth that citrus juice lifts beautifully.

Best For

• Collectors seeking limited-release Irish single malts (only 1,500 bottles produced)
• Gifting a serious whiskey enthusiast who values uncommon cask finishes
• Adding a rare Marsala-finished Irish whiskey to a home spirits library
• Tasting side by side with Phoenix Legends 1 to compare cask influence and age

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Phoenix Legends 2 taste like? It delivers layers of dried fruit—fig and apricot—alongside vanilla cream, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate, with a long finish marked by sweet spice and wine-cask dryness from Sicilian Marsala barrel finishing.

How does Phoenix Legends 2 compare to Phoenix Legends 1? Phoenix Legends 1 is a 24-year-old expression that won World's Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, carrying deeper oak influence from its longer maturation. Phoenix Legends 2, at 16 years with a Marsala cask finish, leans more toward dried fruit and wine-sweet character rather than the older release's extended wood-driven profile.

Is Phoenix Legends 2 good for sipping neat? Absolutely—bottled at 46% ABV, it has enough body and complexity to reward slow, deliberate sipping without needing any mixer or ice. A few drops of water can further reveal the honeyed malt and floral top notes.

Where is Phoenix Legends 2 made? It is produced by Teeling Whiskey Distillery, located in the Liberties neighborhood of Dublin, Ireland. Teeling was the first new distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years.

What foods pair well with Phoenix Legends 2? Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano brings out the nutty, savory undertones. Fig and walnut bread echoes the dried fruit and roasted nut notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa mid-palate. Pan-seared duck breast with a fruit reduction mirrors the stewed fruit sweetness from the Marsala finish. Blue cheese balances the honey and spice character with a contrasting salty richness.

What sizes does Phoenix Legends 2 come in? This release is available in a standard 700ml bottle, consistent with Teeling's limited-edition format for the Phoenix Legends series.

Is Phoenix Legends 2 worth the price? Phoenix Legends 2 positions as a premium limited-edition Irish single malt, justified by its 16-year age statement, uncommon Marsala cask finishing, and a production run of just 1,500 bottles worldwide—placing it in the upper tier of collectible Irish whiskey releases.

Why Phoenix Legends 2?

The defining feature of this release is its two-year finishing period in Sicilian Marsala wine casks—a maturation choice rarely seen in Irish whiskey and one that gives the liquid a dried fruit and wine-sweet complexity that bourbon-barrel-only releases cannot replicate. Limited to 1,500 bottles, it occupies a genuinely scarce position in the current Irish whiskey market. The Phoenix Legends series has already demonstrated its caliber at the highest competitive level, with the first installment earning World's Best Irish Single Malt honors. At 16 years old and 46% ABV, this expression strikes a balance between mature oak character and vibrant cask-finish influence, making it one of the more distinctive aged Irish single malts available today.