Teaninich 11 Years Old 2013 Elevenses Whisky (Keeble Cask Company Ltd.)

A Teaninich single malt, an independent Keeble Cask Company Ltd bottling, an 11 year old Highland malt from 2013 and bottled at 50%. The outturn was 625 bottles. Teaninich was established in 1817 in the northern Highlands at Alness, and it has long been prized by blenders. It is the only Scotch malt distillery to mash through a mash filter rather than a mash tun.

The spirit was run from a clear wort through the distillery's tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, grassy character. 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. 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. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness.

At 50%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. A grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.