You know, some independent bottlers are only looking for the best casks while others are mainly looking for great value for money. Asta Morris is one of these. Looking at the recent bottle list, you’ll mostly find young or middle-aged drams that ‘play above their league’. Not a bad business model in my opinion.
One of the latest value for money offerings was this Teaninich 2009 from an ex-sherry cask.
Teaninich 10 yo 2009 (50%, Asta Morris 2019, ex-sherry cask, 245 btl.)
Nose: sweet cereals, mixed with apple crumble and a light fudgy undertone. Hints of dried grasses. Some leather and a minty touch. Easy to like, but maybe not a highflyer.
Mouth: bigger, with more sherry as well. Chocolate, dark roast malt (stout indeed), caramel and very subtle herbal notes. A touch of salty liquorice. Some honey and raisins too, all nicely balanced.
Finish: long, with sweet notes, herbal notes and chocolate with a pinch of salt.
Not entirely my style, but I can see why it was selected, and I think it’s definitely good value for money. Around € 65, still in stock.