Description

Teaninich 2008 Aged 14 Years Cask 1810 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Infrequent Flyers #99 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml             ABV: 55.6%             Age: 14 Years Old             Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 1810
Date of Distilling: 2008
Matured In: a single Ex-Rye Whiskey Barrel
Un-Chillfiltered

Alistair Walker is a highly experienced professional in the Scotch whisky industry, with a career spanning over two decades, including significant roles at Burn Stewart Distillers and The BenRiach Distillery Company (which also owned GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). He founded his independent bottling company in 2018. Launched in July 2019, this is the flagship brand of his company. The name “Infrequent Flyers” reflects Alistair’s mission to bottle whiskies from distilleries that are less commonly seen as single malts or whose expressions are not widely available. It also hints at the unique, sometimes unexpected, character of the individual casks he selects. Alistair Walker is dedicated to bottling whiskies in their most authentic form, typically as single cask bottlings, un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength. Alistair is known for his expertise in cask selection and management, often utilising diverse and interesting cask types (like the refill sherry butt here) to influence the whisky’s profile and bring out different facets of the spirit.

Situated in Alness, Ross-shire, in the Highland region of Scotland, close to the Cromarty Firth. Teaninich was founded in 1817 by Hugh Munro, making it one of Scotland’s older distilleries. It has seen various owners over its history, eventually becoming part of Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company. The distillery underwent significant modernisation and expansion in the 1970s and 1990s. Teaninich is quite unique in its production methods.  It is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland that uses a mash filter rather than a traditional mash tun. This results in a very clear wort (the liquid extracted from the mash), contributing to the clean and clear nature of its spirit.cIts stills are known for producing a light, clean, and particularly waxy or oily new make spirit. This distinctive character is highly valued for providing body and texture in blended whiskies.cThe vast majority of Teaninich’s production is dedicated to blended whiskies, primarily for Johnnie Walker and other Diageo blends. Official single malt bottlings from Teaninich are extremely rare, making independent bottlings a prized opportunity for enthusiasts to explore its unique flavour profile.

This is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at Teaninich in 2008 and matured for 14 years. It was bottled from cask #1810, which was a Rye Barrel. Using an ex-rye whiskey barrel for maturation or finishing in Scotch whisky is relatively uncommon but growing. These casks, having previously held American rye whiskey, impart distinct spicy, herbal, and sometimes sweeter notes (like vanilla and caramel from the American oak) to the Scotch. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 55.6% ABV and was a limited release of 249 bottles.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Very inviting, with clear rye notes – think spiced apple cider, fresh herbs (perhaps sweetish dill or coriander), and a hint of cinnamon. It quickly becomes more honeyed, with a doughy, biscuity quality (like toasted digestive biscuits or the base of a cheesecake) and tropical fruits like pineapple and Pink Lady apples.

Palate: Medium-bodied and rather plump, with an excellent fruity sweetness. Like biting into a baklava – a huge hit of honey, pastry notes, and light spice. Flavours of bubble-gum and parma violets might emerge, followed by a touch of treacle toffee and almond notes. There’s a spicy, peppery kick (sometimes described as Szechuan pepper-like) that is noticeable but not overwhelming, complementing the sweetness.

Finish: Longish, with the flaky pastry and apple notes lingering. It dries away to dried grass and very light spice, maintaining a very moreish quality. The rye influence adds a unique zestiness.

A fascinating and delicious expression. It takes Teaninich’s distinctive spirit and layers it with the unique spice and sweetness of American rye, creating a memorable and complex single malt, all presented authentically by Alistair Walker.