Teaninich 2016/2023 - Sansibar
Teaninich is one of those Scottish distilleries that rarely appear as an original bottling - making the releases from independent bottlers all the more exciting. Zanzibar has taken on Teaninich, which was distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2023, and bottled it at a whopping 60.2 % ABV.
Tasting Notes
Nose
From the very first sniff, you realise that this is not a typical Highland whisky. Instead of heavy sherry or smoky notes, you get a surprisingly fresh and light fruity nose. Vanilla and citrus are in the foreground, accompanied by a fine herbal note reminiscent of herbal tea. The alcohol is noticeable, but not disturbing - you realise that the whisky has strength. All in all, a very exciting, lively flavour!
Palate
The first sip brings with it an oily, almost syrupy texture. In terms of flavour, it starts with a clear vanilla note before fresh lemon and apricot come into play. Then it becomes more exotic: a hint of rose water provides a slightly floral note. The wood is also noticeable, but without overwhelming the whisky. The honey sweetness provides balance, but the strength of the high alcohol content is always present. A small drop of water can help to develop the flavours even better.
Finish
The finish is medium to long, but not quite as harmonious as hoped. The fresh wood remains in the foreground, accompanied by a slight bitterness that makes the whisky appear somewhat unrounded.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
This Teaninich is a real character with a fantastic freshness and a solid punch – perfect for anyone who isn’t afraid of young, intense Highland whiskies. Sure, the woodiness and bitterness in the finish aren’t to everyone’s taste, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting and lively. A few drops of water are almost mandatory here to round off the experience.
Sascha 72/100
The Teaninich 2016/2023 presents itself with a clear structure of bright fruit notes, vanilla, and subtle herbs, all shaped by the high alcohol strength. Despite its robust 60.2% ABV, it feels quite balanced, although the slightly bitter woody tone in the finish somewhat disrupts the harmony. Adding water is recommended to more finely bring out the balance between sweetness and spice.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why is the Teaninich 2016/2023 from Sansibar not a typical Highland whisky?
The Teaninich 2016/2023 stands out due to an unusually fresh and bright fruit aroma that combines vanilla, citrus, and herbal notes. Typical heavy sherry or smoky notes, which characterize many Highland whiskies, are largely absent here, making it particularly lively and different.
How does the high alcohol content of 60.2% affect the taste and drinking experience?
The high alcohol content provides a powerful presence that is noticeable both on the nose and the palate. It intensifies the aromas but can also come across as sharp. A few drops of water help to better unfold the aromas and make the whisky more approachable.
Why is the finish of the Teaninich 2016/2023 somewhat uneven and what causes the bitterness?
The finish is medium to long but dominated by fresh wood and a slight bitterness. This bitterness can be influenced by the young maturation of 7 years and the choice of cask, which makes the whisky’s finish less harmonious than expected.