Scotland (Campbelton) ~ 53.4% ~ $145 ~
We both cherish our first born children (usually…), so unfortunately we weren’t able to get any of the Campbeltown bottlings that are sizzling hot right now. We did however go for the next best thing: a blend of single cask single malts from the elusive region that once sported half the distilleries in Scotland. Well-respected independent bottler Douglas Laing captures that balance of maritime brine and delicate smoke that exemplifies the style of this tiny peninsula that pokes out towards Ireland.
Tasting Notes
By The Master of Malt
From Douglas Laing's Remarkable Regional Malts series comes The Gauldrons Cask Strength, a limited edition blended malt from Campbeltown. The Gauldrons means bay of storms (you can read more about the backstory here). Non-chill filtered, and with no added colour, this is full of warm honey and whispers of smoke, and at a robust cask strength of 53.4%. A perfect dram to sip on as the nights close in. And a spooky little surprise: the label glows in the dark! Now that is very cool.
Nose
Bonfires somewhere in the distance, creamy grain, and a touch of dried seaweed.
Palate
Toasted oaky vanilla, with layers of floral honey amongst gentle peat and iodine. Warming heat builds.
Finish
The peat lingers, with a sprinkle of sea salt.