Teaninich 18 Years Old 2007 Cask #302372-1 (BB&R)

Berry Bros & Rudd selected this Teaninich, an 18 year old Highland malt from 2007, drawn from cask 302372-1 and bottled at 57.2%. 251 bottles in all. Founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller, oilier body over the grass. Fat stills give a waxy texture that carries the cask flavour. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. 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.

Undiluted at 57.2%, it is layered. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish is waxy, green and lively. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.