Teaninich 10 Years Old 2015 Cask #6746386 (Duncan Taylor)

This Teaninich was released by Duncan Taylor, a 10 year old release from 2015, drawn from cask 6746386 and bottled at 54.6%. Only 61 bottles were released. Founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the grassy malt. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over a waxy texture. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling.

Undiluted at 54.6%, it is layered. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. Cut grass and citrus draw out the close. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.