Teaninich 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #72075 (Orcines)

From Orcines comes this Teaninich, aged 11 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 72075 and bottled at 46%. Just 284 bottles were filled. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was established in 1817. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. 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. Years in oak round the spirit, the grass and wax deepening with age. 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.

At 46% it is smooth and grassy. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a clean, green fruitiness. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a fresh, oily Highland single malt.