Teaninich 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #709519 (Pendulum Spirits Ltd)

Pendulum Spirits Ltd selected this Teaninich matured to 12 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 709519 and bottled at 55.8%. Only 266 bottles were released. Opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. The mash filter gives an ultra clear wort, the source of its fragrant, green tea grassiness.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the grassy spirit. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling. 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.

At cask strength 55.8% it is muscular yet green. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.