Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 47.5%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry STR
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 70.00
Official website: www.carnmorwhisky.co.uk
Vote: 87/100
As the first releases for 2022 from independent bottler Càrn Mòr aka Morrison Distillers have reached the market (the Morrisons have been one of the most influential families in the Scotch scene for three generations, long-time owners of Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch, later sold to Japan’s Suntory), we go back a year to taste one of the most original releases of 2021: a Teaninich aged for 11 years in ex-Sherry STR casks. where STR stands for Shaved, Toasted and Recharred. This is an operation that aims to give new life to the cask, with the cleaning of the layer in contact with the whisky and the subsequent toasting and recharring of the wood.
Teaninich is one of several non-premium distilleries in the Diageo group. The only official bottling is a 10yo from the historic Flora & Fauna series, which is not exactly easy to find, so if you want to taste their whisky, you have to rely on the independents.
We, who are curious by nature, willingly entrusted ourselves, as always, and proceeded to taste it, not before remembering that this release, like all those of the “Strictly Limited” series to which it belongs, is proposed at 47.5% ABV in its natural colour and without chillfiltration.
Tasting notes
A bright, inviting amber color shines in the glass.
On the nose, we’re greeted by an intense white pepper-based spice, accompanied by hints of berries, especially currants and blueberries, but above all by a hint of panettone with abundant raisins. After a few moments, we distinctly detect a note of sandalwood, while a balsamic scent reminiscent of pine resin lends the overall aroma a captivating freshness. Later on, a rather strong impression of polished dark wood prevails.
On the palate, the opening is enlivened by white pepper, but for the rest of the tasting, the polished dark wood dominates, with occasional hints of orange zest, raisins, caramel, and sandalwood that prevent banality and maintain a high level of interest.
In the medium-lingering finish, in addition to the wood, pepper, milk chocolate, and a pleasant note of dried fruit leave a vivid impression.
An interesting whisky, definitely enjoyable, which offers the opportunity to reflect on the influence of such peculiar casks, in the tradition of this line that knows how to be educational without ever abandoning pleasantness.