For its 30th anniversary, SMWS bottled yesterday's 1983 Teaninich. Signatory Vintage bottled today's 1983 Teaninich for its own 30th birthday. It was only appropriate to try the two whiskies side-by-side. This 35 year old is a rarity for this cluster in that it came from an actual sherry butt. The cask has a very high outturn, which makes one wonder if this was re-casked at some point within its last decade. It also punches in at 57.5%abv, which is some hot stuff for a 35yo single malt. Yesterday's '83 went heavy on the oak, what about today's '83?
Ownership: Diageo
Region: Northern-ish Highlands
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Age: 35 years old (7 Dec 1983 - 12 Dec 2018)
Maturation: Refill sherry butt
Cask number: 8070
Outturn: 575 bottles
Alcohol by Volume: 57.5%
(from a bottle split)
NEAT
Though the nose has a mix of mango and citronella that nearly matches yesterday's 29yo, the similarity ends there. Cherry compote, Frosted Flakes, Macintosh apples, and basil leaf fill out the sniffer, with quieter notes of blossoms and charred veg lingering behind. The fascinating palate starts with old cognac, sweet apples, tart oranges, and peach nectar. Cherry compote and lemon juice arrive after 40+ minutes. The lack of tannin is startling. It finishes sweet and tart, with limes, clementines, cherries, and nectarines.
I'm being careful with the water for this oldie...
DILUTED to ~50%abv, or <1 tsp of water per 30ml of whisky
The nose becomes more metallic, and toasted oak makes a few cameos. Peaches and shortbread float through the midground. There's more wood spice in the palate now; more lemons as well. Orange candy, vanilla, and a hint of wood smoke make up the rest. The finish is shorter and sweeter, with dusty oak and lemon candy.
WORDS WORDS WORDS
Keep this one neat, and it's a near gem. Serge loves it, as does the Whiskybase community, and I can see why. It's lit up with fruits, but something sort of smoky lingers beneath (perhaps like the official 17?), providing some welcome angles and depth. Were that darker note a little bolder, this would be a 90+-point malt. It's still terrific as is though, especially with the lack of clumsy oak, and ranks as my favorite whisky from this cluster so far. Will any of the next three Teaninichs unseat it???
Availability - Might still be available in Continental Europe
Pricing - €600 to €800 w/VAT
Rating - 89 (neat only)
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