Teaninich 15 Years Old 2007 Exploration Series (Claxton’s)

Single malt Teaninich, released by Claxton's matured to 15 year old from 2007 and bottled at 50%. Teaninich was first built in 1817 in Easter Ross, north of Inverness; it is one of Diageo's largest distilleries. The mash filter gives an ultra clear wort, the source of its fragrant, green tea grassiness.

The spirit was made from a mash filter wort for a clean, grassy spirit, for a clean, oily make of real freshness. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. 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. 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.

Undiluted at 50%, it is layered. The Oloroso adds figgy fruit and a warm nuttiness, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.