Teaninich 10 Years Old 2014 Cask #713240 (Lady of the Glen)

This is a Teaninich single malt, an independent Lady of the Glen bottling, a 10 year old from 2014, drawn from cask 713240 and bottled at 53%. A release of 179 bottles. Teaninich, built in 1817 near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the grassy malt. At this age the spirit is fresh and green, cut grass and citrus to the fore. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. 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.

At 53%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. The Madeira lends raisin and a caramelised nuttiness, and a grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. A clean, gently waxy finish lingers. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.