Teaninich 23 Years Old 1993 Cadenhead’s 175th Anniversary (Cadenhead’s)

Single malt Teaninich, bottled by Cadenhead's, a 23 year old release from 1993 and bottled at 52.3%. 252 bottles in all. Teaninich was built in 1817 in the northern Highlands at Alness, and it is rarely seen as a single malt in its own right. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

The spirit was run from a clear wort through the distillery's tall stills, to build a clean, waxy, grassy character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the grassy spirit. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and waxy, honey, soft fruit and a polished oak over green tea. A clean wort and a long ferment build the fragrant, green tea note. 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.

Undiluted at 52.3%, it is layered. A fresh, oily grassiness meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is a light, grassy Highland single malt.