Teaninich 16 Years Old 1996 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail bottled this Teaninich single malt matured to 16 year old from 1996 and bottled at 46%. Established in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. The mash filter gives an ultra clear wort, the source of its fragrant, green tea grassiness.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. Sherry wood suits the light make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. Almost all of its make is destined for blends rather than single malt. A hammer mill and mash filter, installed in 2000, replaced the traditional mash tun. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, 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. A grassy, gently spiced finish lingers. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.