Teaninich 17 Year Old (2017)
Appearance
Pale golden sunlight. Fine beading.
Body
Medium. Rich and smooth texture.
Nose
Approachable and gently drying. At first citrus-fruity and fragrant; pears in syrup, lychees, mandarins and lemon sherbet, with honeysuckle and perfumed oak. Behind this there’s a spicier edge, with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg then toffee apples, green grass or moss and pastry, with a late suggestion of almonds. After a few minutes, sweet notes dominate, with candy, vanilla toffee and creamy fudge balanced by a softly spicy background. Adding a little water brings up more soft fudge.
Palate
Unctuous and sweet, suggesting a fondant cream with a spicy edge. An initial burst of citrus is swept away by 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.
Finish
Lengthy and warming with spicy oak-wood, a pinch of white pepper, lingering candied sweetness.