Teaninich 13 Years Old 2009 Cask #SC48 (The Firkin Whisky Co. Ltd.)

This Teaninich was picked by The Firkin Whisky Co. Ltd, a 13 year old from 2009, drawn from cask SC48 and bottled at 48.9%. Built in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A Port cask gave a plum and red berry depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. 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. A long fermentation builds the fresh, green fruit the blenders prize. A 2013 expansion added a new six still house, more than doubling capacity. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through.

At a full 48.9% it is intense yet fresh. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.