Teaninich 29 Years Old 1973 Cask #20225 (BB&R)

This Teaninich was from the independent bottler Berry Bros & Rudd, a 29 year old release from 1973, drawn from cask 20225 and bottled at 43%. Set at Alness in Easter Ross, Teaninich has distilled since 1817. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

It was worked through the distillery's stills from a very clear wort, for the light, grassy, oily make Teaninich is known for. A sherry cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At this age it is rounded and oily, the grass folded into a honeyed, waxy body. Refill oak lets the green, grassy distillery character lead. 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.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and grass, pear and a gentle wax meet a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. The close is fresh, grass over gentle oak. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.