Teaninich 13 Years Old 2009 Cask #716915 (Global Whisky Limited)

Global Whisky Limited bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 13 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 716915 and bottled at 55.5%. Only 295 bottles were released. 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. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the grassy malt. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the green fruit speak without smoke. 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 55.5%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a fresh, oily grassiness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is a light, grassy Highland single malt.