Teaninich 13 Years Old 2009 A Lingering Lilt (Wemyss)

Bottled by Wemyss Malts, this Teaninich, a 13 year old release from 2009 and bottled at 53.5%. The outturn was 252 bottles. Teaninich was founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran in Easter Ross, north of Inverness; it uses a mash filter found nowhere else in Scotch. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

The spirit was made from a mash filter wort for a clean, grassy spirit, for a clean, oily make of real freshness. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the grass lead. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. A patient maturation suits the light, grassy Teaninich character. Almost all of its make is destined for blends rather than single malt. A hammer mill and mash filter, installed in 2000, replaced the traditional mash tun. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness.

At its natural 53.5% it is concentrated. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. Cut grass and citrus draw out the close. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.