Teaninich 20 Years Old 1999 Cask #302864 (Ian Macleod)

A Teaninich single malt, drawn and bottled by Ian Macleod matured to 20 year old from 1999, drawn from cask 302864 and bottled at 55%. A release of 232 bottles. Teaninich was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro in Easter Ross, north of Inverness; it is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. The mash filter gives an ultra clear wort, the source of its fragrant, green tea grassiness.

The spirit was made from a mash filter wort for a clean, grassy spirit, for a clean, oily make of real freshness. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Past twenty years the spirit turns honeyed and waxy while keeping its green lift. Long, gentle ageing turns the cut grass towards honey and soft fruit. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling.

At a hearty 55% it carries real weight. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. A grassy, gently spiced finish lingers. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.