Teaninich 12 Years Old 2011 (SMWS 59.73)

This Teaninich was bottled by Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 12 year old Highland malt from 2011, drawn from cask 59.73 and bottled at 55.8%. Just 292 bottles were filled. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. 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. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the grassy, waxy core over time. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth.

At a natural 55.8% it is full and oily. A fresh, oily grassiness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is a light, grassy Highland single malt.