Teaninich 14 Years Old 2010 Cask #721403 (BB&R)

From Berry Bros & Rudd comes this Teaninich, a 14 year old release from 2010, drawn from cask 721403 and bottled at 57.2%. Just 227 bottles were filled. Teaninich, founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. Maturation in a wine cask lent red berry and a soft spice. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. The ultra clear wort from the mash filter is the source of the green, grassy character. 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 hearty 57.2% it carries real weight. The wine cask lends red berry and a dry spice, and a grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.