Teaninich 11 Years Old JE (James Eadie)

From James Eadie comes this Teaninich, an 11 year old and bottled at 48.3%. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was established in 1817. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

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. A patient maturation suits the light, grassy Teaninich character. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. 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.

Undiluted at 48.3%, it is layered. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.