Teaninich 21 Years Old 1979 Cask #10901 (Ian Macleod)

Ian Macleod bottled this Teaninich single malt, aged 21 year old from 1979, drawn from cask 10901 and bottled at 46%. The outturn was 815 bottles. First built in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A sherry cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Long ageing brings a deeper waxy, fruity character and a mellow oak. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through. 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.

At an approachable 46% it is light and balanced. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a clean, green fruitiness. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is a fresh, oily Highland single malt.