Teaninich 12 Years Old 2011 Cask #700375 (The Caskhound)

The Caskhound bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 12 year old Highland malt from 2011, drawn from cask 700375 and bottled at 57.8%. Only 167 bottles were released. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. It is the only Scotch malt distillery to mash through a mash filter rather than a mash tun.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the grassy malt. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller, oilier body over the grass. Refill oak lets the green, grassy distillery character lead. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904.

At its natural 57.8% it is concentrated. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and grass, pear and a gentle wax meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.