Teaninich 9 Years Old 2012 Cask #702608 (Lady of the Glen)

Lady of the Glen bottled this Teaninich single malt, a 9 year old release from 2012, drawn from cask 702608 and bottled at 56.7%. Only 306 bottles were released. Established in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

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. Still young, the malt is grassy and oily with a citrus lift. A patient maturation suits the light, grassy Teaninich character. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.7%, it is rich. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. A green tea and a lemon note lift it. Cut grass and citrus draw out the close. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.