Teaninich 12 Years Old 2006 Cask #5886/88 (House of McCallum)

This Teaninich was drawn and bottled by House of McCallum, a 12 year old from 2006, drawn from cask 5886/88 and bottled at 46.5%. Just 1068 bottles were filled. Founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller, oilier body over the grass. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. 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.

At 46.5% it is smooth and grassy. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.