Tasting Panel Notes

We created this small batch single malt whisky in honour of Scotland's epic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA. The spirit was originally filled to cask in 1998, the last year that Scotland qualified when France were the hosts. This rich, smoky whisky has acquired depth and complexity through long maturation in American white oak (both bourbon and oloroso sherry casks) and is the perfect pour to toast the team's achievement . 

The nose opened with a warm glow of tobacco and marzipan soaked in brandy. Confit tangerine, honey and barley sugars were followed by dried apricots and a soft swirl of lemon danish. The fruit character grew steadily as we sucked orange lozenges, while a shimmer of blowtorched mango added brightness. The palate carried a savoury thread of smoked cheese and chutney, with depth coming from black pepper and charcoal crackers. Water revealed polished mahogany as a musky warmth met beeswax and cedar wood, coal dust and liquorice root. Thyme resting on hot coals was then sprinkled on to barbecued burnt ends along with a slow grind of curry spices. Lemon sorbet and hickory smoke, seeded crispbread, cherry cough sweets and a cooling mentholic finish brought the experience to a close. The starting point for this small batch was two ex-bourbon hogsheads of single malt Scotch whisky. One cask was transferred at 25 years old to a first fill American oak oloroso hogshead while the other remained in bourbon. The casks were then married together before bottling.