Teaninich 14 Years Old 2008 Cask #22.0208.SC41 (Mossburn – Distillers & Blenders)

Mossburn - Distillers & Blenders selected this Teaninich, a 14 year old release from 2008, drawn from cask 22.0208.SC41 and bottled at 54.9%. 685 bottles in all. 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. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate.

At a full 54.9% it is intense yet fresh. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and grass, pear and a gentle wax meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.