Strathearn Inaugural Bottling Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Strathearn is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, located in Highland Perthshire, an area with a rich distilling heritage owing to its freshwater lochs. Prioritising flavour over alcohol yield, it is also reported to be the only distillery to use Maris Otter barley resulting in a deliciously creamy new-make. Maturation takes place in first-fill ex-bourbon, wine, port and sherry casks. Since independent bottler, Douglas Laing acquired the operation in 2019 there have been several prototype releases, however this bottling is considered the first representation of an official house style and comes presented in new livery. Offered at 50% without colouring or chill-filtration, we noted aromas and flavours similar to hay bails, Ovaltine and toasted cereals followed by hints of beeswax and sweet tobacco in a mouth-warming setting. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Other reviews... From a combination of virgin, bourbon and sherry casks, around 7 years old on average. Perthshire's quasi-pocket distillery Strathearn now belongs to Douglas Laing. We've already tried two or three indie youngsters, they were good. Colour: light gold. Nose: bread and pastry dough plus candied fruits. Simply perfect. Right, that was a bit short, so say panettone, sourdough bread, rhubarb juice and bamboo shoots. How does that sound? With water: fresh brioche straight from the baker's. Lovely breakfast. Also a closed pack of cigarettes (how about Gold Leaf?) Mouth (neat): mango, beeswax, more rhubarb, golden syrup, pancake sauce, green tea (Gunpowder) and pink grapefruit. Great idea to have waited quite bit longer before releasing a first official, well, release. With water: water pulls out sweet roots. Gentian, carrots, all complex flavours that are highly desirable in my book. Finish: long, rather more on milk chocolate and some slightly gingered orange juice. Touch of fresh turmeric in the aftertaste. Comments: awesomely complex at this age. TBH we visited the distillery while it had just been built and the tiny gear had been a little, let's say, frightening. Mea culpa, much impressed today. 87 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the producers... Anticipate a rich Malted barley depth with gentle oak on the nose. Palate: The mouth-coating, syrupy palate brings honey and buttercream with baking spice and dried apricots. Finish: The warming finish is long with home baking and buttery oak biscuits.