A single grain whisky in the 2025 Special Releases is necessarily a new thing (a nice Cambus 40 Year Old spring to mind), but it is special coming from the malt distillery that is Teaninich. It marries distillates from malted rye and malted barley, which is strictly speaking neither rye or single malt.
Only a few weeks ago Diageo announced the temporary closure of Teaninich distillery (as well as Balcones and Dickel) due to overproduction. Teaninich is an important component of Johnnie Walker
Teaninich 8 yo ‘Rye Rebel’ (60,3%, OB Special Releases 2025, ex-bourbon casks)
Nose: lighter and drier than expected. A greener type of fruits, like green melons, green apple and lemon Napoleon sweets. Then generous grainy notes: granola, rye bread, along with grassy elements and fresh herbs, becoming slightly floral even. Some salted popcorn, a little vanilla and drops of pickle juice as well. A bit austere and alcoholic.
Mouth: simply too hot, due to the ABV but also the strong peppery and gingery note. Adding water highlights sweet lemon and ginger, green banana skin, some hints of commercial (sweet) tonic water and spearmint. Some vanilla creaminess and icing sugar too – the sweetness is a bit too much really. Then back towards herbal notes, hay and a hint of toasted oak.
Finish: on the short side, with grassy and vegetal hints, as well as lingering oaky spice and fudge sweetness.
An interesting trial, but I’m not sure who this is for. Rye fans will say it’s too bland and malt fans will say it’s quite rough. Both may say it’s too sweet anyway. As a blender’s base I understand this works wonderfully, but this particular bottle doesn’t convince me for sipping. Already available from retailers like The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt, as well as many local retailers.