Spiritualist Balance 2005/2020 Douglas Laing 14 Years Old Particular Single Cask Islay Malt Whisky 53,2%

Balance is the word Douglas Laing chose for this single cask — a whisky where peat smoke and sweetness meet without either dominating the other.

Expert's Description

Spiritualist Balance 2005/2020 is a Single Cask Islay Malt Whisky from Douglas Laing's Old Particular series, distilled in November 2005 and bottled in April 2020 after 14 years of maturation at natural cask strength of 53.2%.

The whisky comes from a single refill hogshead, cask ref DL14032, letting the spirit's natural character shine through. The source distillery is not officially disclosed, but the style points toward a respected Islay distillery. Only 325 bottles were produced.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Pronounced peat smoke, fresh sea air and subtle mineral notes, spiced with green apple and vanilla.

Palate

Full and complex with smoke balanced by light caramel, baked fruit and white pepper.

Finish

Long, dry and warm with smoke, baked citrus and a touch of dark chocolate and salted oak.

Specifications

Name: The Spiritualist Balance
Bottler: Douglas Laing
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Single Cask Islay Malt Whisky
Age: 14 years
ABV: 53.2%
Size: 70 CL
Cask Type: Refill hogshead, cask ref DL14032
Distilled: 11/2005
Bottled: 04/2020
Number of Bottles: 325 bottles
Non-chill Filtered: Yes
Natural Colour: Yes

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Complex · Cask strength · Balanced

Investment Potential

Medium. As a discontinued single cask from Douglas Laing's Old Particular series with only 325 bottles, it is attractive to collectors of independent Islay bottlings.

Did You Know?

Douglas Laing's Old Particular series is named after a Victorian term for specially selected sherry, a nod to the series' focus on quality over quantity.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Spiritualist Balance 2005/2020 Douglas Laing 14 år Old Particular Single Cask Islay Malt Whisky 53,2%

Why is the source distillery undisclosed?

Douglas Laing often keeps the source secret in the Spiritualist series, but the style points toward a respected Islay distillery.

What does 'balance' mean in the name?

It refers to how peat smoke, sweetness and spiced complexity meet in harmony in this specific bottling.

Is it worth it as a collector's item?

Yes, with only 325 bottles from a single cask, it is attractive to collectors of Douglas Laing's Old Particular series.

Is the whisky bottled at cask strength?

Yes, it is bottled at natural cask strength of 53.2% with no water added.

What is a refill hogshead?

It is a cask that has been used for maturation at least once before, giving a gentler cask influence.

Which distilleries does Douglas Laing typically work with on Islay?

Douglas Laing has historically worked with several respected Islay distilleries, such as Caol Ila and Bowmore, in its independent ranges.