Teaninich 12 Years Old WUA CounteroffensiveUA (Whisky UA)

This Teaninich was selected and bottled by Whisky UA matured to 12 year old from 2011 and bottled at 50.2%. 359 bottles in all. Built in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer. 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.

At a natural 50.2% it is full and oily. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a clean, green fruitiness. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. A grassy, gently spiced finish lingers. This is a fresh, oily Highland single malt.