Teaninich 9 Years Old 2013 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

From Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers comes this Teaninich, a 9 year old Highland malt from 2013 and bottled at 47.5%. A release of 1174 bottles. Teaninich, founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro near the Cromarty Firth at Alness, is a key malt of Johnnie Walker. It is the only Scotch malt distillery to mash through a mash filter rather than a mash tun.

Distilled on Highland spring water through fat copper stills, building the light Highland style blenders prize. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Still young, the malt is grassy and oily with a citrus lift. A clean wort and a long ferment build the fragrant, green tea note. 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. Robert Innes Cameron, an Elgin blender, became sole owner in 1904.

Undiluted at 47.5%, it is layered. Green tea, lemon and a soft spice sit alongside honeyed oak sweetness underneath. A green fruit and a gentle oak give it depth. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a Johnnie Walker workhorse from the Highlands.