Teaninich 11 Years Old 2009 Cask #9102 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd bottled this Teaninich single malt matured to 11 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 9102 and bottled at 47.5%. The outturn was 258 bottles. 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. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Younger here, it keeps a clean, grassy freshness over a waxy texture. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the green fruit speak without smoke. 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 cask strength 47.5% it is muscular yet green. Sherried dried fruit and a nutty edge come through, and a grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.