Teaninich 40 Years Old 1973 Cask #20236 (Duncan Taylor)

An independent Teaninich, from the independent bottler Duncan Taylor, a 40 year old release from 1973, drawn from cask 20236 and bottled at 51.6%. Teaninich, established in 1817 near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. Single malt is rare; the Flora and Fauna 10 year old is the only regular official bottling.

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 great age the malt is full and waxy, the fruit deep and the oak polished. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the grassy, waxy core over time. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904. The Munro family ran the distillery through two generations before selling. The Cromarty Firth nearby is one of few UK waters home to bottlenose dolphins.

At a natural 51.6% it is full and oily. Grass, pear and a gentle wax meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. The mouthfeel is waxy, the citrus carried on a grassy body. Green tea and a soft wax see out the finish. This is Teaninich's clean, grassy Highland style.