Teaninich 15 Years Old 2008 Cask #715736 (Signatory)

This Teaninich was drawn and bottled by Signatory Vintage, a 15 year old Highland malt from 2008, drawn from cask 715736 and bottled at 59.8%. The outturn was 266 bottles. Founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the grass lead. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller, oilier body over the grass. Sherry wood suits the light make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling.

Bottled at a cask strength 59.8%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. Cut grass and citrus draw out the close. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.