Teaninich 14 Years Old 2010 Cask #721397 (BB&R)

Single malt Teaninich, picked by Berry Bros & Rudd, a 14 year old from 2010, drawn from cask 721397 and bottled at 59.2%. The outturn was 264 bottles. Teaninich was established in 1817 in Easter Ross, north of Inverness; it is one of Diageo's largest distilleries. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

The spirit was made from a mash filter wort for a clean, grassy spirit, for a clean, oily make of real freshness. A wine cask held it, layering berry fruit over the grassy malt. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer. Almost all of its make is destined for blends rather than single malt. A hammer mill and mash filter, installed in 2000, replaced the traditional mash tun.

At its natural 59.2% it is concentrated. The wine cask lends red berry and a dry spice, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, oily finish carries a green lift. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.