Teaninich 11 Years Old 2008 Cask #710888 (BB&R)

Berry Bros & Rudd bottled this Teaninich single malt, an 11 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 710888 and bottled at 56.6%. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. A clean wort and a long ferment build the fragrant, green tea note. 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 a natural 56.6% it is full and oily. Green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.