Douglas Laing & Co has made their distilling debut with the launch of Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
The family-owned independent bottlers’ first release has been crafted to perfection and bottled from 32 specially selected casks; a seamless combination of ex-Bourbon, Virgin and ex-Sherry oak, some of which were inherited when Douglas Laing acquired the Strathearn Distillery in 2019, and a portion of spirit distilled under Douglas Laing ownership. The Strathearn Single Malt takes on an immensely rich and refined flavour, effortlessly creating the Douglas Laing style for Strathearn now.
Notably, every drop of Strathearn is hand-crafted without any elements of automation. From manually carrying malted barley into the Distillery, mixing it with local Highland water in one of Scotland’s smallest mash tuns, each step is meticulously executed, adhering to time-honoured techniques.
The raw ingredients go through a significantly long fermentation time, lasting 144 hours, to allow for the creation of Strathearn’s famously fruity character. Following this, the spirit cut points are uniquely determined through smell and taste and the heart of the run is carefully transferred into casks, where it is left to slumber until matured to perfection.
This deliberate and slow distilling process produces a single barrel a day, serving testament to the scarcity of the dram and the creation of a tipple of the highest quality. This precious liquid is then captured in a distinctive and bespoke bottle, that represents the small acorns from which this great oak of a Single Malt grows.
Bottled at 50% ABV, the rich, deep Whisky is a bold yet soothing dram. Non chill-filtered and with no added colouring, this release is as natural as it gets. Prioritising flavour over alcohol yield, Strathearn remains committed to using exclusively Maris Otter malt, favouring the deliciously creamy, malty flavour which carries through to the final spirit while still allowing the other flavours to shine.
On the taste, the syrupy palate coats the mouth in sweet notes of honey, buttercream, dried apricots with a hint of spice. The warming finish is reminiscent of home baking and indulgent buttery oat biscuits that invite you back for another sip.
Cara Laing, Managing Director of Douglas Laing & Co, and third generation in the family business comments:
“This moment has been a long time coming, and one that we are extremely proud to share with the world. As the third generation at the helm of Douglas Laing, I am proud to be leading this move into this exciting new venture of distilling.
“Our Strathearn Distillery team make a barrel of spirit per shift or, simply speaking, a barrel a day. This may be a drop in the ocean compared to some distilleries, but for Strathearn, it’s a proudly hand-crafted drop that embodies the spirit of the distillery.
“Strathearn is the epitome of quality over quantity. It is a part of our family history, but rest assured this is only the beginning for Douglas Laing Distilling.”
Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available at £85 from www.douglaslaing.com.
