Teaninich 11 Years Old 2009 Cask #6728405 (Duncan Taylor)

Duncan Taylor bottled this Teaninich single malt, aged 11 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 6728405 and bottled at 55.6%. 69 bottles in all. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. Refill oak lets the green, grassy distillery character lead. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth. A long fermentation builds the fresh, green fruit the blenders prize. A 2013 expansion added a new six still house, more than doubling capacity. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through.

At 55.6%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. Raisin and a nutty sherry depth build, and a grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.