Glenfiddich 12 Year Old. 40%

It's been a while since I've tasted the world's most popular single malt. There's clean vanilla and citrus fruits. Surprisingly light and refreshing.

Lacking in depth and complexity, maybe— but rather pleasant nonetheless, and much nicer than I remember.

Big Peat, Douglas Laing.

Surprisingly restrained peat on the nose, mostly sweet young spirit.

Heavy ash and peat in the mouth, aftertaste of burnt toast.

Not convinced.

Springbank 20 yo, Douglas Laing (Old and Rare) 52.9%

What a nose- smelly socks, with some smoke and ash. In the mouth there's ripe stilton and rich fermenting fruit, mixed with smoke and peat.

Certainly interesting, if not immediately likeable.

Linkwood 25 yo, Douglas Laing (Old Malt Cask) 50%

Vanilla and fruit on the nose. Perhaps something tropical. Wood and vanilla predominate in the mouth. Peppery finish.

Not bad.

Allt-a-Bhainne 18 (15? 21?) yo, Douglas Laing (Old Malt Cask)

Another malt from the same tasting which doesn't seem to have a match when I checked the Douglas Laing website. Anyway— it wasn't that great. Fruity/esters on the nose, but quite harsh in the mouth, and not much of a finish.

Arran 13 (15?) yo. Douglas Laing (Old Malt Cask) 50%

The sheet at the tasting said 13, but the Douglas Laing website says 15. Either way, it was my favourite of the evening. Nose- vanilla fudge. Mouth- spicy, warming, smooth, and sweet. Fades quickly on the finish.

Nice, if un-memorable.

Glendullan 12 yo, Provenance (Douglas Laing) 46%

Pleasant sweet and fruity nose, let down by a forgettable mouth and finish. Some burn.