Teaninich 2008/2021 - Signatory Vintage
The Teaninich distillery, not far from Alness in the Highlands, shares its neighbourhood with top-class distilleries such as Dalmore and Glenmorangie - you could almost say it lives in a really posh area. Right next door is Teaninich Castle, which was once renovated by the distillery's founder and now shines as a chic hotel and restaurant.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Ricola lemon and herb sweets hit your nose as soon as you take a whiff - like spring in a Swiss Alpine meadow. The whole thing is accompanied by honey, lime zest and a fruit basket filled with pears and apples. Fruity, floral and somehow a little tart.
Palate
In the mouth, the whisky first greets us with a grassy and floral flavour - as if you had just walked through a freshly mown meadow. Suddenly the orange appears and gives the whole thing a sunny touch before a herbaceous tartness takes hold. Anyone who thinks this sounds too good is mistaken. Because here it comes: a small but subtle toffee attack - sweet caramel fudge meets light tingling effects. Sounds unusual? It is.
Finish
Unfortunately, the Teaninich finishes a little quicker than one would wish - the finish is rather short to medium-long. However, it leaves behind a final greeting of oak spice, vanilla, a hint of pepper and, as if that wasn't enough, a spicy ginger kick.
Thoughts
Marcel 73/100
Light, fresh, and with a surprisingly sweet-bitter spice, the Teaninich 2008/2021 brings good cheer to the palate – ideal for relaxed summer evenings in the garden. Despite its charming lightness, it sometimes lacks depth, and the short finish is a bit disappointing. Still, it’s a fun whisky that leaves you wanting more without demanding too much seriousness.
Sascha 72/100
The Teaninich 2008/2021 displays an interesting balance between fruity freshness and herbal bitterness, with an overall solid but not complex structure. The short finish length and slight aggressiveness on the palate feel somewhat unbalanced, which affects the harmony. A light, summery Highland whisky with potential, but it leaves room for improvement in terms of persistence and depth.
Value for Money: Fair
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73/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the location of the Teaninich distillery influence the character of this whisky?
The Teaninich distillery is situated in the Highlands near well-known distilleries like Dalmore and Glenmorangie. The region is known for fresh, often grassy and floral aromas, which are also reflected in the Teaninich 2008/2021. The proximity to nature and the climate promote this distinctive style.
What special qualities does the bottling by Signatory Vintage bring?
Signatory Vintage is an independent bottler that often releases limited single casks or special vintage editions. This means the Teaninich 2008/2021 offers a more individual and often higher-quality selection than the distillery’s standard releases, focusing on unadulterated flavors.
Why does the finish of the Teaninich 2008/2021 seem relatively short despite its 46% alcohol content?
Despite a solid drinking strength of 46%, the finish of the Teaninich 2008/2021 is rather short to medium in length, which can be attributed to the influence of cask maturation and distillation methods. However, the oak spice and ginger kick ensure the aftertaste remains intense and distinctive.