Teaninich 10 Years Old 2011 Cask #TH1122S (Hidden Spirits)

Hidden Spirits bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 10 year old Highland malt from 2011, drawn from cask TH1122S and bottled at 53.4%. A release of 318 bottles. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. It is the only Scotch malt distillery to mash through a mash filter rather than a mash tun.

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. Still young, the malt is grassy and oily with a citrus lift. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer. 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.

At a hearty 53.4% it carries real weight. Raisin and a nutty sherry depth build, and green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.