Highland Journey – Hunter Laing & Co – 46.2% abv

Info: Hunter Laing’s first blended malt. Inspired by Stewart Laing’s first visits to the Highlands as a child with his father, Highland Journey is composed of malts distilled exclusively in the Highlands region. Bottled at 46.2%, each small batch bottling contains whiskies matured in bourbon and sherry casks.

Nose: A nose full of flavours. Packed with caramel, vanilla fudge and cream. Light fruits and a few nuts. Youngish malt notes from younger spirit that’s probably in the mix.

Palate: A fairly luxurious thick and velvety mouthfeel with easily introduced sweetness and although there’s a pinch of spices it delivers smoothly into your mouth and you wouldn’t guess it’s 46%.

Finish: Quite long with hits of Highland heather perfume before your chest is covered in fairly warming amount of alcohol. There’s a hint of sourness from tannins at the end, but nothing too much.

Water: It’s smooth. Water makes it smoother without damaging it. A few grassy notes comes out in the end.

Thoughts: There’s definitely something ‘Laingy’ about this dram, the roots of the once single company is apparent.

Available: Master of Malt – £35.45. Also at The Whisky Shop – £50 (why you’d pay the extra £15 I have no idea)

Thanks to Hunter Laing for the sample.