Teaninich 8 Years Old 2013 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

This Teaninich was released by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, aged 8 year old from 2013 and bottled at 47.5%. Only 1455 bottles were released. Founded in 1817 by a Napoleonic veteran north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A Port cask gave a plum and red berry depth. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. Long, gentle ageing turns the cut grass towards honey and soft fruit. 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 its natural 47.5% it is concentrated. The wine cask lends red berry and a dry spice, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.