Teaninich 12 Years Old 2009 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

Phil & Simon Thompson bottled this Teaninich single malt, aged 12 year old from 2009 and bottled at 53.1%. Just 508 bottles were filled. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the grass lead. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller, oilier body over the grass. A clean wort and a long ferment build the fragrant, green tea note. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer. 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.

At 53.1%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. A fresh, oily grassiness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. The finish is waxy, green and lively. This is a light, grassy Highland single malt.