Teaninich 10 Years Old 2015 Cask #9528 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd selected this Teaninich, a 10 year old release from 2015, drawn from cask 9528 and bottled at 50%. Only 360 bottles were released. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. A wine cask held it, layering berry fruit over the grassy malt. At this age the spirit is fresh and green, cut grass and citrus to the fore. The ultra clear wort from the mash filter is the source of the green, grassy character. 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 its natural 50% it is concentrated. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and grass, pear and a gentle wax meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is waxy, green and lively. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.