Teaninich 14 Years Old 2006 Cask #5889 (Whiskymax)

An independent Teaninich, picked by Whiskymax, a 14 year old Highland malt from 2006, drawn from cask 5889 and bottled at 55%. A release of 325 bottles. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. 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.

At its natural 55% it is concentrated. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.