Teaninich 12 Years Old 2007 Cask #301262 (Elixir)

Elixir Distillers bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 12 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 301262 and bottled at 57.5%. First built in 1817 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. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. Most Teaninich is filled into refill ex-Bourbon, letting the make show through. The Cromarty Firth nearby is one of few UK waters home to bottlenose dolphins. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. 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.

At a hearty 57.5% it carries real weight. A gentle vanilla from the wood 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.