our tasting notes from the 73TH Speyburn Tasting
here are our impressions...
Douglas Laing Old Particular 15y 48,4%
Nose: The first impression is sharp and biting, the alcohol stings unpleasantly in the nose. This aggressive attack then develops in a strange direction: doughy notes emerge, as if you were smelling fresh bread dough, which is not necessarily harmonious. There is also a hint of coniferous wood, accompanied by resinous accents that seem more disruptive than enriching. Peach and elderberry shimmer through faintly, but these fruity nuances appear pale and insignificant. Juniper berries and dried rose petals add a floral note to the bouquet, but the overall impression remains flat. The whisky conveys little depth or complexity on the nose - it remains thin and unappealing.
Mouth:: Here too, a strong, peppery start that is downright aggressive. The alcohol is dominant and overshadows the more subtle flavours. Pear and a slight sweetness are evident, but these are quickly replaced by bitter wood and tart caraway notes. The wood bitterness runs unpleasantly through the entire flavour, and even with plenty of water the sharpness is only minimally softened. It does become slightly sweeter with the addition of water, but this sweetness cannot save the whisky - it remains one-dimensional and disappointing. There are brief flashes of liquorice, but even these do not contribute to a positive development.
Conclusion: A whisky that disappoints expectations across the board. The aromas on the nose and palate are unbalanced and lack harmony. Even with water, it remains thin, aggressive and bitter - one of the weaker representatives of its kind.
The First Edition 16y 56,4%
Nose:The first impression of this whisky is sweet and tantalising. Damp wood is reminiscent of an old cellar, slightly permeated by a hint of lime. A subtle note of tobacco resonates before fruity flavours of raspberries and blackcurrants dominate the aroma. The result is a harmonious, pleasant balance that makes the whisky appear soft and inviting. With a splash of water, the raspberries become more intense and unfold their full splendour. This is accompanied by a pleasant sweetness and buttery vanilla, which elegantly support the fruit flavours. A hint of menthol and the spiciness of white pepper add depth to the nose, while notes of foam kisses round off the complexity.
Mouth: The first sip convinces with a distinctive, sherry-soaked wood note that is powerful but not aggressive. The whisky immediately develops an intense flavour that nevertheless remains balanced. Dry wood and hints of black tea combine with a slight saltiness that adds spicy nuances to the flavour profile. Herbal flavours come through subtly and give the whisky an interesting complexity before the raspberries reappear and add a pleasant freshness. With water, an even more pronounced saltiness develops, giving the whisky additional structure without unbalancing it. Black pepper provides a fine, warming spiciness that lingers into the long finish.
Conclusion: An extremely tasty whisky that impresses with its powerful flavours and versatility. The combination of fruity raspberry notes and spicy elements such as pepper and salt in particular give it an interesting dynamic. It becomes even more complex with water and reveals its full range of flavours.