Teaninich 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #717626 & 717633 (Signatory)

This is a Teaninich single malt, from the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, a 12 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 717626 & 717633 and bottled at 46%. Teaninich, founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. A clean wort and a long ferment build the fragrant, green tea note. 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. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth.

At an approachable 46% it is light and balanced. Grass, pear and a gentle wax meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.