Teaninich 15 Years Old Die Whisky Elfen (Brühler Whiskyhaus)

A Teaninich single malt, drawn and bottled by Brühler Whiskyhaus, aged 15 year old and bottled at 50.5%. Only 164 bottles were released. Teaninich was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro in Easter Ross, north of Inverness; it is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

The spirit was made from a mash filter wort for a clean, grassy spirit, for a clean, oily make of real freshness. A sherry cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant.

At 50.5%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.