Teaninich 12 Years Old 2009 Cask #712823 (James Eadie)

James Eadie selected this Teaninich, a 12 year old Highland malt from 2009, drawn from cask 712823 and bottled at 55.8%. The outturn was 318 bottles. Opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

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. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. Most Teaninich is filled into refill ex-Bourbon, letting the make show through. 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 a full 55.8% it is intense yet fresh. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.