Teaninich 9 Years Old 2009 Cask #1 (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

This is a Teaninich single malt, picked by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, a 9 year old release from 2009, drawn from cask 1 and bottled at 52.5%. Only 360 bottles were released. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was opened in 1817 on the Teaninich estate. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the green make. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. 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.

At a full 52.5% it is intense yet fresh. The Oloroso adds figgy fruit and a warm nuttiness, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and clean, the green spirit shining through. A grassy, gently spiced finish lingers. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.