Teaninich 22 Years Old 1959 Flowers (Samaroli)

From Samaroli comes this Teaninich, a 22 year old from 1959 and bottled at 46%. 300 bottles in all. Teaninich, opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. It was founded by Blind Captain Hugh Munro, a Napoleonic veteran, on his Teaninich estate.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. At this age it is rounded and oily, the grass folded into a honeyed, waxy body. The ultra clear wort from the mash filter is the source of the green, grassy character. The River Averon runs beside the distillery on its way to the firth. A long fermentation builds the fresh, green fruit the blenders prize. 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.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Grass, pear and a gentle wax meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. 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.