Indie bottler Thompson Bros. vatted this blended malt in June 2025, with every intention of a prompt release to follow. However, time ran away, and this glorious blend ended up spending eight months marrying and mellowing before it was finally bottled. Aged for at least five years, the blend comprises 73.72% Clynelish for its irreplaceable texture, 26.28% Dornoch Distillery spirit for Highland soul, and an obligatory teaspoon of malt from Sutherland county's other legendary distillery.
The nose is an evocative mix of farm-fresh fats and bright, concentrated fruit. It opens with ground almonds and a generous spread of salted (proper) butter, followed by the nostalgic sweetness of melon cordial and tinned pineapple cubes. There is a raw, cereal-driven core of dusty barley grist, accompanied by the artisanal funk of IPA and ale yeast. As it breathes and opens, it turns “green” and vibrant – think first-press olive oil, camphor, crisp green apple, and the resinous edge of mango skin.
Beautifully sweet and zesty with a remarkably cohesive mouthfeel. Initial notes of Robinson’s barley water and ripe Galia melon are brightened by a sharp, citrus-forward attack of pineapple juice, Amalfi lemon zest, and pithy grapefruit. A delicate sweetness of white grapes runs through the mid-palate, held together by that signature Sutherland weight.
Elegant and impressively long. The waxiness truly takes hold here, leaving a final impression of freshly baked sourdough drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a final, lingering rasp of lemon zest.
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