Time to go back to 1972 for ye olden Teaninich; or rather 1996, which is when United Distillers (proto-Diageo) bottled this absolute firewater for their Rare Malts range. I'm not sure what casks this whisky was aged in, nor how many, but its hue is quite light. One must assume there was a Swedish sauna onsite because this creature registers hotter than filling strength after 23 years. In my experience, the Rare Malts are usually of very high quality, so lemme see how this Tea be.
Distillery: Teaninich
Ownership: Diageo
Region: Northern-ish Highlands
Range: Rare Malts
Age: 23 years old (1972 - 1996)
Maturation: ???
Outturn: ???? bottles
Alcohol by Volume: 64.95%
(from a bottle split)
NEAT
It's very noseable, and for that I'm grateful. Ocean water, peaches, lemon, and shortbread find their way out of the glass first. After 30+ minutes, agave nectar and prosecco appear, with hints of roses and burlap in the background. The palate is obviously hot as hell. It's also very malty, with almonds and tart plums in the back. It finishes tart and nutty.
A little bit of water...
DILUTED to 100 UK proof, or 57.1%abv
Gingerbread joins the shortbread in the nose, followed by orange candy, lemon bars, and whiff of something industrial. On the palate, there's baked peaches with lemon juice and sea salt, then tart apples and malt. It finishes with sweet peach pie and tangy applesauce.
A little more water...
DILUTED to 100 US proof, or 50%abv
The nose gets simpler, with barley, lemons, peaches, and the ocean. The palate gets leaner too. Barley and brown sugar, limes and minerals. Still with a good length, the finish is all malt and limes.
And now I'm out of whisky.
WORDS WORDS WORDS
Nearly 30 bottle years did not calm the burn, though the whisky was somewhat approachable at full power. The nose was excellent and the palate showed promise. Dilution seemed to limit the nose, rather than open it up, or maybe I needed more water (and whisky). Conversely, water helps the palate out, cooling it off and revealing the fruits. Though the whisky's complexity doesn't impress much, the hardy vibrant barley notes are lovely after 23 years. Now how about another 1972...
Availability - Secondary market
Pricing - ???
Rating - 87
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