The Lindores Distilling Co. Ltd. Lindores Abbey 2018 Cask #18/0483

This Lindores Abbey single malt, a 4 year old from 2018, drawn from cask 18/0483 and bottled at 62.1%. Only 294 bottles were released. Lindores Abbey at Newburgh revived distilling on the site of the earliest recorded Scotch, the 1494 entry for Friar John Cor. Barley is grown on the abbey land and water drawn from a borehole on site, with the whisky bottled at the distillery.

It was worked through copper stills for a layered young spirit, for a layered, fruity spirit, richer than a typical Lowland. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla, orchard fruit and butterscotch. Shaved, toasted and recharred wood adds red fruit and a baking spice fast. The late Dr Jim Swan shaped the cask policy, with his signature recharred red wine barriques. Barley is grown on the abbey land and water drawn from a borehole the monks first dug. The first single malt, MCDXCIV, the Roman numerals for 1494, was released in 2021.

At a hearty 62.1% it carries real punch. The ex-Bourbon lends vanilla, orchard fruit and butterscotch. Soft orchard fruit and toffee sit behind the cask. The close is warm, fruit over young oak. This is the modern malt of the 1494 abbey.