Teaninich 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #705321 (Pendulum Spirits Ltd)

An independent Teaninich, an independent Pendulum Spirits Ltd bottling, a 12 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 705321 and bottled at 56.6%. A release of 301 bottles. Teaninich, first built in 1817 near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the green fruit speak without smoke. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland.

At a full 56.6% it is intense yet fresh. A grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.