Teaninich 11 Years Old 2012 Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star)

This Teaninich was chosen and bottled by North Star Spirits, an 11 year old from 2012 and bottled at 48.6%. 101 bottles in all. 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At this age the spirit is fresh and green, cut grass and citrus to the fore. Refill oak lets the green, grassy distillery character lead. 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. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through.

At its natural 48.6% it is concentrated. Green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.