Teaninich 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #700405 (The Caskhound)

The Caskhound selected this Teaninich, an 11 year old release from 2011, drawn from cask 700405 and bottled at 56.3%. 309 bottles in all. Opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. Maturation in a wine cask lent red berry and a soft spice. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.3%, it is rich. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.