AUGUST release we have five (5) new bottlings of the OLD MALT CASK as well as one (1) OLD & RARE together.   Tasting Notes follow firstly for OLD MALT CASK:

OMC 1727 CAOL ILA   19 YEAR OLD    CLARET WINE FINISHED
Nose:  Red fruit and spices preface a sweet peat/maritime style
Palate:  Mouthcoatingly salty, tarred and phenolic (no hint of wine)
Finish:  Still peaty, warmly spiced now + tar + light wood-smoke  (F)

OMC 1729 CLYNELISH  20 YEAR OLD
Nose:  Sweetly citric + dark spices/liquorice
Palate:  With macerated sultanas/currants and oak
Finish:  Carries espresso, light smoke + dry spices (F)

OMC 1728 GLEN SCOTIA   17 YEAR OLD   BOURBON CASK MATURED
Nose:  Carries its bourbon cask influences evident – vanilla!
Palate:  Totally different from the nose – beachy, dry and salted
Finish:  The nose and palate combine here  most interestingly.  (F)

OMC 1725 GLENROTHES  14 YEAR OLD  RED WINE FINISHED
Nose :   Distinct wine character + home baked fruit tart + mint and tobacco
Palate:   Orange liqueur quality, tangy orange peel + honey sweetness
Finish:   Long and warming, the orange tang develops a long and dry note (F & J)
OMC 1652 SPRINGBANK  16 YEAR OLD
Nose:  Briny, clean and fresh – with sweet smoked nuts.
Palate:  Saline, gristy and lightly (citric) fruited in style
Finish:  Tannic, smoked, spiced and warming

The OLD & RARE tasting note follows:

OAR 0074 MACALLAN  30 YEAR OLD
This interesting Macallan without the sherry maturation is an example of refined complexity. The graceful and fresh nose carries a buttery, fruity sweetness (apples and apricots) and a hint of eucalyptus is coming through. The palate opens honeyed and runs to spicy caramelized baked apples and sweet ripe grapes. The finish is long and fresh, still sweet and develops a late and fruity tang. (J)

Beyond these, our Anniversary bottling this month is a 40 Year Old “SPEYSIDE’S FINEST” from a Sherry butt, probably selected by Fred Douglas Laing all those many years ago to increase his inventory. Stewart and Fred have already selected the 6 Malts, probably most appropriate to their late father’s taste, celebrating  6 decades in business. However, to end the year they have felt it would be fitting to select 2 cask favourites of their own. Watch out therefore (next month) for a very old Ardbeg as Fred’s selection, beyond the “regular” Anniversary release.

Based on the success of our DOUBLE BARREL (Macallan/Laphroaig) we can also inform you that through August we anticipate bottling 2 or 3 new, interesting, quality based and commercially attractive combinations to watch out for as September releases.

Warm Regards.
Fred

Visit Douglas Laing & Co at http://www.douglaslaingwhisky.com/