Teaninich 11 Years Old 2006 (Small Batch)

An independent Teaninich, chosen and bottled by Cadenhead's, aged 11 year old from 2006 and bottled at 55.2%. The outturn was 450 bottles. Teaninich, first built in 1817 near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling. The Cromarty Firth nearby is one of few UK waters home to bottlenose dolphins.

At a full 55.2% it is intense yet fresh. Green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.