Teaninich 13 Years Old 2012 (WhiskyHeroes)

Brave New Spirits bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 13 year old release from 2012 and bottled at 51.9%. Just 349 bottles were filled. First built in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the green make. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. Years in oak round the spirit, the grass and wax deepening with age. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth. A long fermentation builds the fresh, green fruit the blenders prize. A 2013 expansion added a new six still house, more than doubling capacity. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through.

At a natural 51.9% it is full and oily. The Amontillado adds a dry, nutty, almond edge, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a clean, green fruitiness. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. A clean, gently waxy finish lingers. This is a fresh, oily Highland single malt.