Tasting expressions from Highland Park and Douglas Laing scotch whisky thanks to the travels of family and friends.
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There are many scotch expressions that we can't get here in the US (at least, not easily).
When I hear of family or friends traveling to the UK, I'll ask them if they can find a specific whisky for me. Case in point, I've been trying to get another bottle of Clan Fraser Whisky since I finished it off.
I'm hoping that bringing back scotch isn't too big of an ask if someone doesn't have to go out of their way (and maybe if I promise to bake them some brownies).
My sister took my niece on a tour of England and Ireland, and I asked if she could bring me back a bottle or two of Clan Fraser Whisky. When my sister couldn't find it, a shop owner suggested a Douglas Laing scotch whisky, Provenance Ledaig (which is now out of stock) as a substitute.
She was able to track down another request I had made, Highland Park's Voyage of the Raven, something I had heard about but hadn't gotten to try. Score!
Douglas Laing's Provenance Collection
The Provenance collection is a series of hand-selected single cask and small batch expressions from many of Scotland's distilleries and a range of different ages. They don't have any coloring or chilled filtration.
Neat, huh!
Orkney's Highland Park
Meanwhile, Highland Park scotch whisky emphasizes their Viking heritage for their brand, and Voyage of the Raven celebrates that heritage with this limited edition travel-retail offering.
"Inspired by our Viking ancestors' thirst for exploration.… intelligent and resourceful, ravens were the trusted guides of those those early voyagers as they left Northern shores in search of new horizons, flying far out across the sea until they found land. Highly prized for their navigation skills, ravens became symbols of good fortune on many a longship sail."
Well, those longtime readers how I value history and lore (yeah, you've mentioned that once or twice before), so it's not hard to understand how this expression captured my imagination.
On to the scotch, then!
My Tasting Notes
Highland Park and Douglas Laing's Provenance
At home, October 11, 2018
Douglas Laing Provenance Ledaig 9 year
46%ABV, 9 years maturing in a Refill Hogshead
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Peated, Scotch, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Marine smoke, honey, light vanilla, mossy
- Taste: Smoke, pepper rises, eucalyptus, little honey behind
- Finish: Fades to menthol, ash, lingers long and fades to sweet
Comments
Beach campfire smoke that tastes good; with water, peppermint nose, musty. The water tamed the pepper so the ash and mint dominates.
Highland Park Voyage of the Raven
41.3%ABV, Only available in travel retail
Type: Scottish
Keywords: Orkney, Peated, Scotch, Sherry Cask Finish, Single Malt, Whisky
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Plums, raisins, cherries, clover honey, salted caramel, hint of cinnamon
- Taste: Medium body, wood smoke, caramel sauce, black cherries, cinnamon, and cloves
- Finish: Fades to cinnamon, hint of ocean air, beach smoke lingers
Comments
Well balanced between sweetness and smoke, softly beachy, nice fruit flavors.
Final thoughts
My daughter and her husband brought me back a bottle of Spirit of York Rye Whisky from Canada when she went on her honeymoon.
Now, another friend is heading to Scotland soon, and this time we've arranged for a delivery of Clan Fraser Reserve to where she'll be staying. Why didn't I think of that before?
It seems that bringing back whisky isn't too big of an ask after all!
I hope you like this review! If you've tried any of the expressions and have your own tasting notes, please leave a comment. Thanks!
Slainté! L'chaim! Cheers!
- Tammy
Dina Reisman says
Glad to have been part of the 'lore! Guess we'll need to go back and dig up something new next time. L'chaim!