Teaninich 17 Years Old 2007 Cask #6 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 17 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 6 and bottled at 55.3%. 288 bottles in all. Established in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Its make is a key part of Johnnie Walker, Haig and VAT 69.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. Years in oak round the spirit, the grass and wax deepening with age. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth. A long fermentation builds the fresh, green fruit the blenders prize. A 2013 expansion added a new six still house, more than doubling capacity. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through.

At 55.3%, undiluted, it is deep and grassy. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.