Teaninich 8 Years Old 2015 Cask #291 (The Caskhound)

A Teaninich single malt, an independent The Caskhound bottling, an 8 year old release from 2015, drawn from cask 291 and bottled at 56.9%. 63 bottles in all. Teaninich was established in 1817 in the northern Highlands at Alness, and it has long been prized by blenders. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

The spirit was run from a clear wort through the distillery's tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, grassy character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At this age the spirit is fresh and green, cut grass and citrus to the fore. The light, oily make takes cask character well across maturation. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. 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.

At cask strength 56.9% it is muscular yet green. A grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.