Teaninich, 17 Year Old, Highland, Special Releases 2017,

Released during the distillery’s 200th year, this Highland single malt was distilled before Teaninich underwent significant expansion. Reflecting its older style of production, the whisky makes an excellent aperitif or a partner to Asian cuisine. Initially sweet and zesty, this dram layers herbal notes under its toffee, lemon and apple flavours. Unctuous and sweet, suggesting a fondant cream with a spicy edge. An initial burst of citrus is swept away by the candied sweetness and a prickle of spice, before lemon cake, digestive biscuits and spiced porridge roll in. Notes of sharper oak then fade to reveal hints of wine gum and lemon zest. Water softens the candy sweetness; revealing more leafy notes, sweet and creamy toffee, and more orchard fruit; sweet apple and ripe pear.