Teaninich 9 Years Old 2012 Cask #1911645 (Murray McDavid)

Murray McDavid bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 9 year old Highland malt from 2012, drawn from cask 1911645 and bottled at 56.8%. The outturn was 398 bottles. First built 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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the green fruit. At a youthful age the green tea and citrus run bright. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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. That ultra clear wort is the source of Teaninich's fragrant, green tea grassiness. Teaninich Castle nearby, once the family seat, is now a hotel and restaurant.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.8%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. It finishes clean, fresh and grassy. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.