Teaninich WAGE 2009 (Whisky AGE)

This is a Teaninich single malt, released by Whisky AGE, aged 16 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 707404 and bottled at 55.4%. A release of 198 bottles. Teaninich, a large Highland distillery beside the River Averon at Alness, was founded in 1817 by Captain Hugh Munro. There are no warehouses on site; the spirit is matured in Diageo's central stores.

Mashed through a mash filter for an ultra clear wort and distilled in fat copper stills, giving the fresh, green spirit at its heart. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the grassy spirit. By this age the green spirit rounds into orchard fruit and a waxy depth. Most Teaninich is filled into refill ex-Bourbon, letting the make show through. 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.

At cask strength 55.4% it is muscular yet green. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with citrus, cut grass and a waxy lift. Soft orchard fruit and grass sit behind the sweetness. It closes clean, grassy and waxy. This is the green, waxy malt of Alness.