Teaninich is somewhat contradictory in the grand scheme of things for one particular reason: It is the 7th largest distillery in Scotland in terms of production capacity (10.2m litres of spirit produced annually), and yet is also one of the most obscure names in Scotch whisky due to the fact that 99% of its production is destined for the various Diageo blends and for external sale.

As such, not much of it is seen on the open market, although some casks do end up in the hands of independent bottlers. Diageo has also released a 17 year old Teaninich in recent years as a part of their Special Releases range and it has been generally well received.

The distillery also differs from all others apart from Inchdairnie in Fife in terms of one aspect of its production process. Instead of using a traditional mash tun for the mashing process, the distillery uses a Meura 2001 mash filter (which is more commonly seen in breweries) to mash the grist and this in turn produces an ultra clear wort and is also a key factor in determining the distillery’s cerealic and malty profile.

This week’s review focuses on an expression of Teaninich and it was distilled in 1999, matured in a single bourbon hogshead for 19 years before being bottled at a cask strength abv of 53% by Claxton’s.

So, let’s dive right into the review!

Teaninich 1999 19 Years Old (Bottled by Claxton’s, 53% abv)

Colour: Bright gold

Nose: Initial entry presents cut grass, malty hints and grist alongside some prickly alcohol, barley sugar, vanilla, white wine and grapes. With time, ice cream soda hints emerge (very reminiscent of the Imperial style) and are followed by cinnamon, white pepper and green tea. (22/25)

Palate: Sweet, malty and well-rounded, with barley sugar, pear juice, white wine, white pepper and vanilla on initial entry. With time, the Imperial-esque cream soda notes emerge and the palate takes on an effervescent character which is rather endearing. Cinnamon, green tea, clotted cream and marzipan hints emerge late on. (23/25)

Finish: Long and lingering finish, with the effervescent hints bringing along the clotted cream, cinnamon, barley sugar, pear juice and cream soda notes. (22/25)

Balance: A rather well-balanced dram which showcases the marriage between the clean Teaninich house style and a good bourbon hogshead. The mouthfeel is oily but gets drying towards the end. (22/25)

Rating: 89/100

I absolutely adore this expression and Teaninich is in my opinion one of the most underrated distilleries in Scotland. It’s obscurity provides an advantage in the sense that most of its offerings tend to be well-priced and also rather accessible. Long may this continue!

Until the next review, have a wonderful week ahead.

Slainte!

Brendan

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