Douglas Laing - Old Particular - Cameronbridge 25 yo

From Douglas Laing comes this Cameronbridge expression that is 25 years old and bottled at 60,6% from a refill butt number DL-10806. It has been distilled at June 1990 and in June 2015 a total of 282 bottles were drawn.

The nose is sweet and gives me a feel of rich anise, but also something that is malty and fresh. Some red fruit, strawberries, raspberries and vanilla. Lemon cheese cake, thyme, some spices and creamy. Grilled pineapple and fresh ginger.

When moving on to the palate I find that it delivers what nose promises. It is sweet with honey, spices and red pepper, but also freshness of citrus and equaliptus. A malty note below of granola and mixed with dried fruits and thick cream. Light chocolate sprinkles with the red fruits and orange, red apple, banana, pear and mango.

The finish is quite long and sweet. When adding a bit of water it does not change much on the nose. The palate opens a bit more, but still has a good byte to it. When diluting it very far the nose fades and looses its power. But the palate shows more softer fruit notes and spices. Scoring this Old Particular expression an 8 out of 10. Love to have a bigger bottle of this grain. Thanks Douglas Laing for sharing the sample!