Teaninich 2008 Best Dram – 51,4%

Teaninich was founded in 1817 and is located in the Highlands. It was closed in 1985, but since 1991 production is running again.

Whether sherry casks from Spanish bodegas, strong wine casks from Madeira, port pipes from Portugal, barrique casks from Europe’s top vintners, casks from Caribbean rum distilleries or bourbon casks from the USA: Murray McDavid sources casks directly from the producers. The wood treasure has become the trademark of the renowned independent bottler. Founded in 1994 by Mark Reynier (current CEO of Waterford and Renegade), Simon Coughlin and Gordon Wright (Springbank Distillery), Murray McDavid quickly made a name for itself with post-maturations in the exquisite casks. The team is also known for taking over and “saving” the Bruichladdich Distillery.

But Murray McDavid’s home is the disused Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. The bottlings are matured in the traditional Dunnage warehouse between low, but thick walls and on a clay floor. Single malt and grain whisky, vatted malts and blended whisky appear in different series. Their heart: Benchmark. Only first-class single malts find their way into the turquoise-labelled bottles.