Signatory Teaninich 2008

Built in 1817, Teaninich was one of the earliest legal distilleries in Scotland, and over the years it has become well known for its unique blend of historic whisky distilling and cutting edge technology. It is one of only two Scottish distilleries that has dramatically increased its efficiency through the use of a mash filter press (more commonly used in beer making) rather than a Lauter or mash tun. The distillery currently produces over 10 million litres of spirit from its six existing stills but almost all of that is earmarked for blending in labels like Johnnie Walker. It's rather too bad that there is not more coming from Teaninich under its own label as its whisky has just as much character and flavour as its two nearby neighbours, Dalmore and Glenmorangie.

Signatory Vintage releases are bottled one batch at a time, capitalizing on the unique colour and flavour characteristics of each individual cask. By sourcing all-natural malts from the best distilleries in Scotland, selecting the best single batches, and bottling only the finest casks within those batches, Signatory has earned their reputation as one of the most discerning independent bottlers of Scotch in the world.

Nose - Orange, salt, cream of wheat, grass stems, floral esters, apple, white wine and chalk.

Palate - Mustard seed, honey, milk chocolate, barley sugar and banana.

Finish - Short, with hints fruit salad puree, white pepper and some sweet corn.