Teaninich 11 Years Old 2008 Cask #702613 + 702614 (Signatory)

A Teaninich single malt, from the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, aged 11 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 702613 + 702614 and bottled at 46%. Teaninich was first built in 1817 in the northern Highlands at Alness, and it has long been prized by blenders. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

The spirit was run from a clear wort through the distillery's tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, grassy character. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Still young, the malt is grassy and oily with a citrus lift. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the grassy, waxy core over time. 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 46% it is clean and fresh. Grass, pear and a gentle wax meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. 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.