North of the Scottish mainland lie the Orkney Islands, where the sea gnaws at the cliffs and the wind never quite settles. Only two distilleries call these islands home, and this time Douglas Laing has chosen to keep its cards close to its chest.
Expert Description
Old Particular Orkney's Finest 15 Year Emporium Exclusive is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from an undisclosed Orkney distillery, matured in a Refill Hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength of 61.7%.
The bottle belongs to Douglas Laing's Old Particular range, where independently bottled single casks are presented with no added colour and no chill filtration, exactly as the spirit left the wood. This particular release forms part of the Emporium Exclusive Bottling, a hand-picked selection bottled at a noticeably higher strength than the range's usual 48.4%. Only 174 bottles were filled from the single Refill Hogshead, and neither the distillery nor the distillation year is disclosed on the label, a choice Douglas Laing deliberately makes on several of its Orkney releases. With only two distilleries on Orkney, the guessing game is part of the appeal. The style is true to the islands: a lightly smoky, salty character balanced by gentle spice and a clear malted barley backbone.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh sea air and candied ginger meet soft caramel and ripe pear, with a whisper of smoke waiting in the background.
Palate
Full-bodied and spiced, with black pepper and cinnamon carried by the high strength, which gives a warm grip on the palate while malted barley keeps everything grounded.
Finish
Long and salty, with lingering smoke and a final teasing note of spice.
Specifications
Name: Old Particular Orkney's Finest 15 Year Emporium Exclusive
Distillery: Undisclosed distillery, Orkney
Bottler: Douglas Laing & Co.
Region/Country: Orkney, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 Year
ABV: 61.7%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: Refill Hogshead
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural Colour: Yes
Number of bottles: 174
Edition: Emporium Exclusive Bottling
EAN no.: 5014218832679
Flavour Profile
Maritime · Smoky · Spiced · Malty
Did You Know?
There are only two whisky distilleries on the whole of Orkney, so when a bottle like this is called secret, the guessing game among whisky enthusiasts really comes down to just two candidates, one Douglas Laing never confirms.
As part of Douglas Laing’s Emporium Exclusive series, this bottling is available through a carefully selected network of specialist whisky retailers, including Whisky.dk. Douglas Laing Emporiums are a curated collection of shops that offer an impressive range of Douglas Laing products, from the renowned Remarkable Regional Malts to rare and exclusive limited editions. A visit to these Emporiums is always worthwhile, providing whisky enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore unique and characterful releases.
A Secret Orkney 15 Year Old is a whisky that captures the essence of Orkney’s rugged coastline, delivering a rich and complex experience for those who appreciate bold, maritime-influenced single malts.
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