Jake Mountain
Jake Mountain, resident 'doer of things' and MoM OG
With well over a decade's experience in the spirits industry, Jake's worked across all areas of Master of Malt's retail, trade, editorial and marketing teams, and much more besides, managing various award-winning campaigns and initiatives. As well as Scotch whisky, he's an expert who loves a single pot still Irish whiskey, Japanese drinks, and boozy stirred-down cocktails, plus some funky agricole rhum or cachaça. Jake's passed the new, advanced WSET Level 3 in Spirits with a Distinction, and his comments have appeared in publications such as The Guardian and Jeff Cioletti's Drinking Adventurously. You can also speak to him about second division German football and an eclectic array of music from Britpop to rare funk breaks.
Jake's Whisky of the Month (April 2026)
Bruichladdich 27yo - The Kinship (Hunter Laing)
Scotch single malt, Islay region
A brilliant Bruichladdich, independently bottled by Hunter Laing for The Kinship collection. Aged in refill American oak hogsheads, 555 limited edition bottles were released at 50.2% ABV. It's part of a collection of six Islay whiskies selected by the legendary Jim McEwan and paying tribute to the opening of Ardnahoe distillery, their "new home on Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides".
"After the sad passing of Stewart Laing in April, I cast my mind back visiting his family's Ardnahoe distillery back in 2019. Jim McEwan took us through the stunning Kinship range – including this very one – which my notes remind me is 'muscular' and 'so floral', with gorgeous 'honey and lemon'. Overall: an 'absolutely cracking' whisky."
Jake Mountain
Resident doer of things, spirits buff & MoM OG
Tasting notes by producer
A moderate maritime saline drift clearly reveals its identity in this irresistible spirit. Soft fruits and Heather honey encapsulate in a cradle of mellow bourbon oak, and throughout the crisp toasted malted barley never fades bringing structure and balance to the oak. A gentle, sophisticated spirit.
