Family-owned Glasgow-based independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co took over the Strathearn Distillery, one of Scotland's original craft whisky producers, in 2019 — now, it's time to taste the whisky the team have been making

From one of Scotland's smallest distilleries comes one of the country's mightiest Malts. Prioritising flavour over alcohol yield, Strathearn is the only distillery to still use Maris Otter Malt and 144-hour fermentations, the long fermentations make for a very fruity spirit, which produces a deliciously creamy, malty new-make spirit. Crafted to perfection, the spirit is matured in the finest casks, from which it takes on an immensely rich and refined flavour, from small acorns.

Strathearn Inaugural Release contains whisky from six to eight years of age, matured in a mix of ex-bourbon, new oak, and sherry casks. Cara (Douglas Laing & Co. Managing director) describes it as a “big, wholesome, hearty, robust whisky” with a real depth of flavour, mouthcoating texture, and notes of dried fruit and baking spices.

The nose displays rich aromas of malted barley, gentle oak, cream soda, soft caramel & new leather. The palate offers a syrupy texture and notes of honey, buttercream, baking spice, dried apricot, orange marmalade and peppery.  A symphonic warm finish of buttery oatcakes, with dark chocolate, black pepper, liquorice and lingering dried fruits.