Teaninich 17 Years Old 2007 (SMWS 59.89)

Bottled by Scotch Malt Whisky Society, this Teaninich matured to 17 year old from 2007, drawn from cask 59.89 and bottled at 56.4%. The outturn was 498 bottles. Teaninich was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro in the northern Highlands at Alness, and it sends almost all of its make to blends. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

The spirit was run from a clear wort through the distillery's tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, grassy character. 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. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. 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 its natural 56.4% it is concentrated. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and grass, pear and a gentle wax meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.