Thompson Bros.這款 Lowrie’s Reserve Blended Scotch 調和威士忌是特別獻給 Jack Lowrie 的 Suzuki Jimny，這輛車在2023年因嚴重生銹而報廢。酒標上的景色靈感來自他每天上班必經的A9公路，酒標作品由才華橫溢藝術家 Andrew Soetiono (@whiskyhobo) 創作。

在當前市場中，尋找真正可以稱為單一麥芽蘇格蘭威士忌(Single Malt Scotch Whisky) 並以合理價格出售的酒桶正變得越來越困難和令人沮喪。因此，Thompson Bros 尋找新的方法，向市場提供他們認為有價值的產品。

他們意外地獲得了三桶高品質、經過優質雪莉酒桶適度陳年的調和蘇格蘭威士忌，其中兩桶是來自已調和好的11年(Bourbon cask)波本酒桶熟成的(Unknown Speyside)未知來源斯佩賽威士忌。這樣的組合產生了一系列令人驚豔的風味，包括白葡萄、拖肥糖爆谷、豐滿的白肉水果，並帶有一絲煙草的氣息，整體上提供了極大的價值。

他們在想，如果在調和威士忌中加入高年份穀物威士忌就再好不過了！作為獨立裝瓶商，Thompson Bros 擁有一個堆滿了高年份穀物威士忌的倉庫。因此，這瓶 Lowrie's Reserve裡面有約20.8%是1994年蒸餾、並在 Refill barrel 中熟成的 Strathclyde 單一穀物威士忌，令整體的口感更為豐厚，並散發出椰子和焦糖的典型風味。

最後，他們還加入了從 Vat 5 中取出的 SRV5- 一個曾經用於愛丁堡 Campervan Brewery 陳釀啤酒的澳大利亞西拉紅酒桶中熟成，為酒體增添了有趣又獨特的風味，如同佳肴的月桂葉，為這款調和威士忌畫上了完美的句號。

Lowrie's Reserve 在聞香時散發著椰子、可可和香草的香氣，伴隨著清新的青梨和青蘋果，還有有一絲硫磺和煙燻味，SRV5的啤酒花香氣若隱若現，增添了層次感。口感上，蜂蜜檸檬喉糖、孜然、茴香籽和咖喱的風味相互交融的結合，甜度中等，草本清新。酒的餘韻柔和，如奶油般的口感，蜂蜜和香草圍繞，圓潤且略帶燒焦的風味。隱約的海鹽感為整體增添了層次感。太妃糖的風味依然存在，優雅的橡木香氣讓整個收尾顯得愉悅和乾淨，令人回味無窮。

By Librarian Eric.

Thompson Bros. Lowrie’s Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky has been dedicated to Jack Lowrie's Suzuki Jimny which sadly died from a fatal dose of rust earlier 2023. The vista on the label is based on a stretch of the A9 which he drive daily commute from Inverness to Dornoch. Artwork by the incredible Andrew Soetiono (@whiskyhobo).

Sourcing casks of Single Malt Scotch Whisky that can genuinely be called Single Malt Scotch and released at a reasonable price is becoming increasingly challenging and frustrating. Consequently, they were compelled to explore new methods to deliver what they consider to be value to the market.

They stumbled upon an opportunity to purchase three hogsheads of high-quality, well-sherried, reasonably matured blended Scotch whisky. These hogsheads were vatted together with two barrels of 11-year-old bourbon-matured Speyside whisky of unknown origin. This combination, along with the sherried stock, resulted in a vivid array of flavors, including white grapes, toffee popcorn, fleshy white fruits, and an unexpectedly fitting hint of smoke—overall, providing great value.

No exceptional blended Scotch would be complete without a significant addition of aged grain whisky. As independent bottlers with access to a bonded warehouse, they have an abundance of old grain whisky. Thus, 20.8% of the blend consists of 1994 Strathclyde, which has matured in refill barrels. The extended maturation in these barrels contributes a unique texture, along with characteristic notes of coconut and caramel.

Finally, they incorporated some SRV5, which was drawn from Vat 5 and transferred into an ex-Australian Shiraz wine cask that had been used to mature beer by the Campervan Brewery in Edinburgh. The flavor profile of this addition is quite unique, but they found that, in the right proportions, it introduced a layer of funk and playfulness to the overall blend. Like a bay leaf enhancing a ragu, this finishing touch of SRV5 completed their creation.

Lowrie's Reserve exhibits enticing aromas of coconut, cocoa, and vanilla, complemented by the freshness of green pear and green apple. A hint of sulfur and smokiness adds depth, with the subtle presence of SRV5 hops enhancing its complexity. 

On the palate, flavors of honey lemon candy, cumin, fennel seeds, and curry intertwine harmoniously, presenting a medium sweetness with a refreshing herbal quality. The finish is soft, surrounded by honey and oak aromas, leaving a delightful aftertaste of green fruits that showcases a moderate complexity.

The whisky’s finish is creamy and gentle, with lingering notes of honey and vanilla, rounded out by a slight char. A faint hint of sea salt adds an intriguing layer, while toffee notes persist. The elegant oak characteristics provide a clean and pleasurable conclusion. Overall, the whisky demonstrates a balanced complexity with a medium length and intensity, making it truly memorable.

By Librarian Eric.