Teaninich 19 Years Old 1976 (Connoisseurs Choice)

From Gordon & MacPhail comes this Teaninich matured to 19 year old from 1976 and bottled at 40%. Teaninich, opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. Fat copper stills add an oily texture to the clean, grassy spirit.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and waxy, honey, soft fruit and a polished oak over green tea. The penetrating, fresh acidity of the spirit keeps it lively with age. 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. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness.

At 40% it is smooth and grassy. Grass, pear and a gentle wax meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. The finish is waxy, green and lively. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.