Teaninich Highland Pudding (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd.)

An independent Teaninich, drawn and bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co Ltd, drawn from cask 9371 and bottled at 57%. A release of 330 bottles. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was built in 1817. It stands near Dalmore and Glenmorangie in the Cromarty Firth country.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. A Port cask gave a plum and red berry depth. Without an age statement, the malt is fresh, green and oily. The cool Highland climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. 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. Almost all of its make is destined for blends rather than single malt.

Undiluted at 57%, it is layered. The Port cask adds plum and red berry, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with cut grass, green tea and a soft citrus. Beneath it run cut grass, citrus and a soft wax. Cut grass and citrus draw out the close. This is a rare single malt from a blending giant.