Single Malt
Scotland
1 Nov 2005
1 Apr 2020
Following on from its Elements Collection, Douglas Laing has kicked off another range of tasty Old Particular bottlings dubbed The Spiritualist Series! This first release in the selection is a 14 year old single malt from Islay (though no hints as to which distillery is responsible), distilled back in November 2005 and aged in a refill hogshead. In April 2020, it was bottled at cask strength with an outturn of only 325 bottles, with the name 'Balance'. Which is lucky, because it is indeed a well-balanced whisky. Coincidence? Who knows...?
Honey on toast, a pinch of smoked paprika, subtly chocolatey.
More toast, now with salted butter. Smoky notes become earthy and rich, and pair well with the soft oaky warmth.
Bonfire embers and coastal salinity remain.
Pretty common knowledge this is Ardbeg but at a sensible price. The quality is immense and the lack of colouring and chill filtering makes it really pretty special and impressive.
