One of Scotland's smallest whisky distilleries has just announced the launch of its first spirit batch under its new owners.
Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co, who acquired Strathearn Distillery in Perthshire in 2019, have released “The Heart” Single Malt New Make Spirit.
Offered at the filling strength of 63.5% abv, the spirit is presented in a 20cl bottle, with the DLC team saying it invites whisky fans to “sip and speculate” about the Single Malt Scotch Whisky to come from the Strathearn Distillery in future.
The family-run firm has invested heavily in improving facilities at the production site, but maintains it will preserve the hand-crafted, small-batch approach to distillation.
Strathearn’s head distiller, Angela Brown explained that the New Make Spirit has been named “The Heart”, in honour of the middle cut in the distillation process, she said: "Strathearn spirit is the product of a truly traditional art. From carrying the malt in, shovelling the spent grain out, careful steam control for a gentle and effective distillation – our involvement during the entire process is key.
"We nose and taste throughout every spirit distillation, paying close attention as we make our cut points. I am proud to be working towards something as special as the Strathearn Single Malt.
She added that the Strathearn New Make is “creamy” with a “mineral style” and a “hint of citrus”.
The experienced distiller stated: "Our new make spirit is a wonderful preview of the Whisky we will enjoy in the future."
Managing Director, Chris Leggat, stated the spirit is "remarkably robust and rich", he said: "90% of the casks we use – predominantly wine and sherry casks – are first fill. The combination of a phenomenal new make and unwavering commitment to the best wood will result in our small distillery producing one mighty Single Malt. It’s coming soon, but until then, we invite Whisky aficionados to sip and savour The Heart and speculate about the fantastic future promised by Strathearn”.
Limited to no more than 1,800 bottles, The Heart is expected to retail at £17.99, and is available globally from specialist spirits retailers and online now.
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