Teaninich 16 Years Old 2008 Cask #706271 (Archives)

Archives bottled this Teaninich single malt, aged 16 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 706271 and bottled at 52.4%. The outturn was 266 bottles. Established in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

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. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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. 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 52.4%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. The texture is light and oily, the grass threaded with honey. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.