Teaninich 17 Years Old 1982 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Gordon & MacPhail selected this Teaninich, a 17 year old from 1982 and bottled at 40%. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the grass lead. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. The ultra clear wort from the mash filter is the source of the green, grassy character. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling. The Cromarty Firth nearby is one of few UK waters home to bottlenose dolphins. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate.

Bottled at 40%, it is rounded. A grassy, waxy freshness sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. A clean, gently waxy finish lingers. This is the green tea malt of Easter Ross.