Teaninich 17 Years Old 2007 Cask #2 (Signatory)

This is a Teaninich single malt, chosen and bottled by Signatory Vintage, aged 17 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 2 and bottled at 55%. Just 343 bottles were filled. Teaninich, built in 1817 near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. In 1887 it became the first distillery north of Inverness with electricity and a telephone.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the grassy spirit. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. The light, oily make takes cask character well across maturation. 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.

At a hearty 55% it carries real weight. Green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. The finish is waxy, green and lively. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.