A PROMISE FULFILLED – 8/10
A first tonight, as I discover this Lowland distillery for the very first time. Likely the southernmost distillery in Scotland, as it is situated near the border with England.
Founded in 1836, it was reopened in 2014, nearly a century after its closure in 1919. While the whisky style in the 19th century was typically Lowland—light and floral—the new management, led by Teresa Church and David Thomson, has modernized the approach by producing two types of whisky: one retaining the floral character, and the other more peated, which is quite unusual for the region.
Tonight, we are tasting a bottling from House of McCallum, an independent bottler since 2018. This Annandale whisky, matured in bourbon casks, is peated and bottled at a relatively modest 47.5%.
The texture is rich and buttery, just as I enjoy. It coats the palate with a comforting oily sensation, offering notes of bourbon vanilla and raisins. The finish is long and persistent, with smoky peat reminiscent of Ardmore. Black pepper accompanies noble earthy tones, with no notable bitterness.
A delightful experience that leaves me eager to explore more from this distillery.
