Teaninich 2008 Ch7 (Chapter 7 (Ch7))

This is a Teaninich single malt, drawn and bottled by Chapter 7 (Ch7), a 13 year old release from 2008, drawn from cask 715025 and bottled at 47%. A release of 273 bottles. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper green fruit. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 47%, it is rich. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. A clean, gently waxy finish lingers. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.