The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt - Douglas Laing

Like liquid gold, The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt - Douglas Laing glides into the glass and forms fine, elegant legs. The eye is met by a clear, golden glow reminiscent of ripe honey and late sunlight. Already with the first swirl, a delicate aroma rises that transports the senses straight to the gentle hills of the Lowlands. Subtle grain notes recall freshly milled malt and a warm bakery in the morning.

The foundation of the bouquet is soft barley malt, evoking a warm grain store. Joining it is gentle vanilla, creamy and rounded, reminiscent of fine patisserie. Fresh citrus fruits add lively accents: lemon peel, a touch of lime and a hint of grapefruit. In the background, light floral tones, a touch of chamomile and subtle grassy notes resonate, like a meadow after a warm summer rain. A trace of white pepper brings fine spice and gives the whisky a vibrant character.

On the palate, The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt - Douglas Laing appears smooth and clearly structured. The first wave carries sweet grain, butter biscuit and lightly caramelised sugar notes. Then the vanilla steps more into the foreground, accompanied by delicate oak and fine wood smoke in miniature form, more suggestion than open fire. Citrus fruit provides tension and freshness. Lemon zest and orange peel settle like a fine veil over the malt sweetness.

With the second sip, the play of aromas deepens. A hint of green apple appears, along with subtle nuances of white grapes. This fruit marries with honey, almond and a touch of marzipan. In the mouth, a harmonious interplay unfolds between sweetness, freshness and spice. The body shows medium strength, yet remains elegant and straightforward. The texture feels silky and slightly oily, which gently carries the aromas.

In the long finish, citrus, vanilla and grain remain present. A fine nuttiness, like light hazelnut or slivered almonds, complements the finale. The oak is more reserved and displays rather sweet than dry facets. This leaves an impression of light chocolate and soft toffee. With a little air in the glass, more floral accents appear, reminiscent of linden blossom and delicate herbs.

Anyone who wants to experience this whisky in detail should pour it into a nosing glass and take their time. A few drops of still water open up further layers. Nuances of vanilla pudding, oat biscuits and citrus preserves then emerge. A hint of ginger and white pepper also comes through more clearly. The result is a complex yet very approachable flavour profile with multiple layers.

The versatile aromatics show particularly well in the following impressions:

• Golden colour with clear shine and elegant legs in the glass
• Aroma of grain, vanilla, citrus fruits and fine floral notes
• Flavour of butter biscuit, honey, light oak and fresh lemon zest
• Medium body with silky-oily texture and harmonious balance
• Long finish with nut, toffee, white pepper and subtle herbal spice

For a personal journey of discovery with this Lowland Blended Malt, this small guide can help:

1. Pour the whisky into a tulip-shaped nosing glass and gently swirl
2. Inhale deeply and first explore the grain and vanilla notes
3. With the first sip, perceive the malt sweetness and citrus freshness
4. With the second sip, focus on wood, nut and fine spices
5. Optionally add a few drops of water and discover new aromas

Production of The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt by Douglas Laing

The base of this whisky is formed by selected malt whiskies from the Scottish Lowland region. Here, a mild climate and gentle landscapes prevail, known for clear, fresh malt profiles. For The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt - Douglas Laing, only barley malts serve as the starting material. The barley undergoes careful malting, during which it soaks, germinates and is then gently dried.

After kilning the barley, mashing follows. The crushed malt is combined with warm water to convert the starch into sugar. The sweet wort runs off and flows into fermentation vessels. There, yeast converts the sugar into alcohol and creates an aromatic, malty liquid with fruity esters. This phase already shapes many later aromas like citrus, apple and grain.

The subsequent distillation takes place in classic copper pot stills. The distillers pay close attention to clean cuts between foreshots, hearts and feints. Only the finest middle cut finds its way into the casks. Copper binds unwanted compounds and lends the distillate clarity and elegance. The result is light, fragrant and aromatic. It is precisely this character that makes Lowland malts so charming.

For maturation, selected casks are used, primarily ex-bourbon barrels made from American oak. This type of cask enhances vanilla, caramel and honey notes and at the same time introduces subtle coconut and wood nuances. Twelve years of rest grant the whisky depth and harmony. The aromas from malt, fermentation and wood grow together and form a coherent whole.

After the maturation period, the team at Douglas Laing selects individual casks and brings them together into a blended malt. This is not a simple blend of different grains, but a marriage of pure malt whiskies from the Lowlands. The art lies in the balance of the casks. Sometimes they emphasise citrus and freshness, sometimes vanilla and sweetness, sometimes nut and spice.

The finished whisky is bottled at 46.0 percent ABV. This strength presents the aromas clearly and intensely. It appears neither heavy nor harsh, but precise and expressive. It is therefore ideal for indulgent evenings when every nuance counts.

Serving recommendations for The Epicurean 12 Years Old Lowland Blended Malt by Douglas Laing

Neat, this Lowland Blended Malt unfolds its character best at around 18 to 22 degrees. A nosing glass with a narrow opening concentrates the fine citrus and vanilla notes. A small piece of dark chocolate, mild hard cheese or butter biscuits is the ideal accompaniment to the glass. In this way, malt sweetness, nut and light fruit are pleasantly enhanced.

Those who love whisky highballs can enjoy it as a refreshing long drink. For an “Epicurean Highball”, fill a tall glass with large ice cubes. Around four centilitres of whisky meet cool, sparkling soda. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a thin strip of lemon zest on top add crisp freshness. Stir briefly, not too vigorously, so that the carbonation remains lively. This drink feels light, clear and elegant and especially highlights the citrus note.

As a refined aperitif, a “Citrus Lowland Sour” is ideal. Whisky, freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar syrup form the base. Around five centilitres of whisky meet three centilitres of lemon juice and two centilitres of sugar syrup. Shake everything vigorously with ice and strain into a tumbler over fresh ice cubes. A lemon zest and optionally an orange zest add extra aromatic lift. This showcases the whisky’s fresh, fruity side with lively citrus emphasis.

For something a little more playful, enjoy the “Vanilla Orchard”. Into a mixing glass go five centilitres of whisky, two centilitres of dry vermouth and one centilitre of vanilla syrup. Add plenty of ice and stir gently until the mixture is nicely chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled coupe and garnish with a thin slice of apple. This composition highlights grain, vanilla and apple and is reminiscent of an elegant dessert in a glass.

This Lowland Blended Malt also shines in a classic Old Fashioned. A sugar cube in a tumbler, a splash of water and two dashes of aromatic bitters form the base. Stir the sugar briefly until it dissolves. Pour four to five centilitres of whisky over it and top up with large ice cubes. Stir gently until sweetness, bitterness and whisky are integrated. Express an orange zest over the glass and use it as garnish. Here, toffee, nut, light pepper and oak come to the fore in a particularly appealing way.

As a companion after a fine meal, this whisky is ideal. A small sip of espresso or a mild filter coffee alongside underscores caramel, vanilla and nut even more distinctly. Whether neat, on the rocks or in a thoughtfully designed cocktail, this Lowland Blended Malt brings style, clarity and pleasure to the glass and invites you to ever new moments of enjoyment.

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