Teaninich 14 Years Old 2009 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage selected this Teaninich, a 14 year old from 2009 and bottled at 56.3%. A release of 296 bottles. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the grassy spirit. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. The light, oily make takes cask character well across maturation. 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. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer.

At a hearty 56.3% it carries real weight. A fresh, oily grassiness meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a light, grassy Highland single malt.