CLAXTON’S RELEASE THE DALSWINTON SERIES – 2^ND EDITION

Following-on from the huge success of the inaugural Dalswinton Series, Claxton’s are set to release the next five exclusive whiskies this Autumn.

Curated over several years, the new releases will complement the original five that were released three years ago. In line with the original series, the new releases will all be presented in the same heavy-set decanters with hand-etched images of the life and history of the area.

Claxton’s Maturation Warehouses and Tasting Rooms sit in the heart of the beautiful and historic, 5,000 acre Dalswinton Estate. The first Dalswinton Series was released in 2021 and sold out globally. The Second Edition consists of five whiskies from prestigious coastal Scotch whisky distilleries; each one over 30 years of age.

Events from the rich and diverse history of the 5,000-acre Dalswinton Estate inspire the images adorning the decanters. Dumfries-based illustrator Jamie Stryker drew each scene. The Dalswinton Estate has a long and illustrious history, and the timeline on each bottle reflects this, starting with the Roman encampments on the banks of the river Nith and ending with the present-day ownership of the estate by the Landale family.

The casks were matured within Claxton’s traditional ‘dunnage’ warehouse and have been selected to represent the outstanding flavour profiles of the prestigious coastal whisky distilleries.  Only 100 bottles have been drawn from each cask, reflecting the premium nature and rarity of the spirit.

Claxton’s Managing Director: “This series, much like the one before, has been a true labour of love as I have sought out the finest casks from some of the most famous Scottish whisky distilleries. It has taken years of careful selection to find the right five casks to follow-up the inaugural release that was a huge success and sold out within days of release.”

The single malt Scotch whiskies selected are:

• 33 year old Distilled at Bunnahabhain Distillery
• 30 year old Distilled at Bowmore Distillery
• 30 year old Distilled at Springbank Distillery
• 30 year old Distilled at Clynelish Distillery
• 35 year old Distilled at Highland Park Distillery

These will be available for general retail on 30^th October 2024. More details of the whiskies are provided below.

Additional information on each Whisky:

33 year old Bunnahabhain

Bunnhabhain Distillery sits apart from its Islay counterparts and is known for producing an unpeated but distinctively full-bodied whisky. Bottled at 33 years old, this long matured Bunnahabhain is full of that hallmark complexity and character.

The etching on the bottle depicts the Roman Fort which once stood on the banks of the river Nith. In 80AD, a large Roman Fort was built on the banks of the river Nith within the boundaries of what is now the Dalswinton Estate. It is understood to have housed over 2,000 Roman infantry and cavalry and to be one of the most northerly Roman outposts of its kind.

Nose: Sweet tobacco smoke. Marzipan with sweet spices. Apple pie.

Palate: Sweet and soft sherry with a mild smoke, oak and spice. Full-bodied and robust.

Finish: Cinnamon, oak and soft sherry. A long aftertaste of fruit pie.

30 year old Bowmore 

This 30 year old Bowmore is a shining example of an Islay distillery – and one that is situated adjacent to the coast. Sweet peat, mingled with coastal seaweed and bursting with tropical fruits make for an incredible dram.

This decanter depicts when Patrick Miller (owner of the Dalswinton Estate) and Robert Burns first met in 1786. Eventually, this led to Burns moving locally, taking up tenancy at Ellisland Farm with Miller as his landlord.

Nose: Heavy BBQ notes. Sweet peaty notes. Coastal – cooked seaweed.

Palate: Tropical fruit and peat mingle with a sugary-sweetness and soft oak.

Finish: Slightly menthol with a long lingering soft smokiness in the aftertaste. 

30 year old Springbank 

From one of the most revered coastal distilleries in Scotland, this bottling of Springbank has all of the complexity that you would expect from a 30 year old. Sweet, yet spicy with tropical fruits and bubble gum. An incredible dram from start to finish.

This decanter depicts Patrick Millar’s steam engine. In 1788, the first steamboat in Britain set sail across Dalswinton Loch. The project, funded by Patrick Millar, then owner of the Dalswinton Estate, was a great success and officially the first steam-propelled boat journey in the United Kingdom.

Nose: Icing sugar, cannoli, nutmeg and Dunnage warehouse. Custard and gentle smoke.

Palate: Softly sweet and spicy at first. Green apples, oaky and bittersweet. Subtle peat.

Finish: A long and changing finish with oak, fruit, bubble gum and vanilla. Rocky minerality. 

30 year old Clynelish 

Situated on the North East coast of Scotland, Clynelish Distillery is world-renowned for creating a truly unique rich and waxy distillate. This whisky is true to that form, with a distinctive waxy profile still present after 30 years of maturation while bursting with fresh stone fruits.

This decanter is linked to John “The Red” Comyn. It is recorded in local folklore that, in 1306, John “The Red” Comyn sunk his treasure in Comyn’s Pool on the Dalswinton Estate just before meeting his death during a confrontation with Robert the Bruce, the future King of Scotland.

Nose: Tablet and vanilla fudge. Waxed hard fruits. Vanilla pods.

Palate: Sweet and herbal with a waxy-fruitiness, stone fruits and a mild oakiness.

Finish: Hint of tobacco, fresh bread and a softly spicy aftertaste.

35 year old Highland Park

Highland Park is an iconic Orcadian distillery producing a distinctive heather-infused smoky style of whisky. This 35 year old cask is no different: rich, malty, and spicy, with a sweet heather smoke.

In 1919, the Landale family purchased the Dalswinton Estate and have been residents and guardians ever since. Over the last 100 years, they have developed the manor house, estate buildings and surrounding land into the illustrious rural estate it is today. This decanter depicts the Landale’s version of the Dalswinton Estate.

Nose: Rich fruits; cooked apples, pears, prunes. Sweet tobacco with a hint of peat.

Palate: Malty and rich with soft spices and oak. Fresh melon and sweet sherry notes.

Finish: More rich fruit with heather peat and an oaky-spice aftertaste.