Teaninich 10 Years Old 2006 (Small Batch)

Cadenhead's selected this Teaninich, a 10 year old from 2006 and bottled at 57.5%. Just 252 bottles were filled. Opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate 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 refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over a waxy texture. A patient maturation suits the light, grassy Teaninich character. 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. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness.

At cask strength 57.5% it is muscular yet green. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.