In this box, we explore some very exciting fresh releases from a variety of new and sought-after, high quality, whisky producers. From hard-to-find sell-out debut releases to historically significant first bottlings, to malts matured for more than two decades, this is a truly epic showcase of the best of whisky’s New Malt Order. Enjoy every drop! – The Dram Team

New Malt Order: May 2022 Box

Lochlea, First Release

Lochlea debuted their first ever whisky on Burns’ Night 2022, in tribute to the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, who called Lochlea his home in his formative years. This first release sold out immediately, so we're exceptionally lucky to get our hands on it. A slow distillation and a high, narrow spirit cut deliver an exceptionally elegant and fruity spirit, which has matured excellently even at just 3 years of age.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Bursting with fresh orchard fruit, apple, zesty orange and pear drops. Some brown sugar, toffee and vanilla fudge in the background.

Palate: Rich and sweet, with burnt caramel and hazelnuts. Still plenty of stewed fruit and now some toasted oats, cinnamon and clove coming.

Finish: Medium, mouth coating, holding on to that fresh fruit, cereal sweetness and gentle spice.

Lochlea, Sowing Edition First Crop

We're doubling down on spoiling you with hard-to-find Lochlea bottlings, with their second ever whisky, released in late March 2022 (and already sold out or on sale at very inflated prices!). The Sowing Edition will become the first of four annual, seasonal small batch releases, reflecting what is happening on the Lochlea farm throughout the year. For Spring, we have a bright, fresh dram, packed with fruit. Enjoy this rare chance to taste two such sought-after drams side by side!

Tasting notes:

Nose: Green apple skins, pear drops, cereal, custard creams.

Palate: Vanilla sweetness, orchard fruits, hazelnuts.

Finish: Fruity with a final sweetness and lasting viscosity.

The Lakes Distillery, The Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5

Around 80-90% of the casks used to mature Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 are juicy first-fill Spanish, American and virgin oak casks, seasoned with Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry. Mix in the remaining 10-20% from red wine casks, and you get another epic example of the Lakes' house style - big, robust, yet balanced sherry bombs.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Perfumed & fruity with polished oak, red apples, chocolate, and hints of Devonshire cream.

Palate: Pecan & walnut baklava, baking spices, candied papaya, and hints of coffee.

Finish: Vibrant and creamy with toasted brown sugar.

Lindores, MCDXCIV

Lindores is a place of great significance in the history of Scotch. MCDXCIV means 1494, the year of the first officially recorded distillation of whisky in Scotland. 500 years after Brother John Cor (a Lindores Abbey monk) was commissioned by King James IV to turn 8 bolls of malt into "Aqua Vitae", this newly re-established distillery released this first modern bottling - a distinctive mix of single malt matured in Bourbon barrels, wine barriques and sherry butts. Fantastic.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Elegant, soft, mellow vanilla, caramel notes playing with orchard fruits and sweet pear drops. Reminiscent of toffee apples.

Palate: Smooth with a creamy texture and a perfect balance of mellow vanilla, dried fruits, citrus touches with a hint of spice.

Finish: Medium length, delicate but lingering finish.

J.G. Thomson, Rich Batch No: 01

Another compelling pairing of drams from a new producer awaits, this time from newly established blender-bottler, Edinburgh's J.G. Thomson. The darkest of their core range, their rich blended malt is a real sherry bomb, chock full of hefty flavour thanks to use of both Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez sherry casks. As well as traditional (huge!) sherry butts, smaller hogsheads (medium) and quarter casks (small!) were used for extra wood interaction and flavour extraction. A truly rich whisky results...

Tasting notes:

Nose: Discover dark raisins, black cherries, juicy sultanas, deep orange peel and toasted cocoa nibs.

Palate: Uncover blackberries, figs, soaked currants, dried dates, dark chocolate orange and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon spice.

J.G. Thomson, Rich Aged 23 Years

This sixth dram represents a true embarrassment of riches - graduating from the core "Rich" release, this 23 year old version is a very limited release that features 100% Speyside whiskies. A real showcase of just how incredible this region's malts can be after two to three decades in quality casks and an absolute stand-out drop!

Tasting notes:

Nose: Complex aromas of peach stones, fresh mango, dried strawberries, cranberries, and tropical fruits.

Palate: Flavours of spiced red apples, dark toffee, cake mix, black cherries, redcurrants.

Finish: Rosewater.

How to get your New Malt Order box

Explore the New Malt Order to discover some of the best new releases out there at the moment... You can grab your New Malt Order box here.

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