Teaninich 45 Years Old 1975 Cask #DL 14547 (XOP)

Douglas Laing bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 45 year old Highland malt from 1975, drawn from cask DL 14547 and bottled at 41.6%. The outturn was 142 bottles. Established in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. Very old Teaninich turns profound, waxy and tropical yet still fresh. Long, gentle ageing turns the cut grass towards honey and soft fruit. Most casks are refill ex-Bourbon, which lets the grassy spirit show through. Captain Hugh Munro built the distillery to give his tenants' barley a buyer. 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.

At a hearty 41.6% it carries real weight. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.