Teaninich 11 Years Old 2008 Lord of the Highlands (Whiskykeller)

Whiskykeller selected this Teaninich, aged 11 year old from 2008 and bottled at 55.9%. Only 196 bottles were released. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the grass lead. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over a waxy texture. Refill oak lets the green, grassy distillery character lead. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland.

At a hearty 55.9% it carries real weight. A grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.