Ian Macleod 8 Year Old Lowland

Ian Macleod is a bottler that already started in 1933. I am sure you have heard of them. They own brands like Isle of Skye, Smokehead, As We Get It, The Six Isles, Langs. And then there is also the series simply named Macleod’s, in which single malts are marketed with only the region on the label. We will be trying the Lowland, an 8 year old. I have a feeling this might be an Auchentoshan in disguise.

The nose is fresh and fruity with a mild sour side. Lemon, oranges, mandarin. It does have a dusty side, which is a tad unpleasant (which does not always have to be the case). Some buttercups and freshly cut grass. Some pineapple skin.

On the palate, it falls apart a bit, unfortunately. It also contains a bitterness as if from Sevilla oranges. Normally I like this, but in this case the oranges are seem to be rotting a bit. Much too new make-ish to my taste. A mild spiciness offers a bit of redemption. I am also reminded of Fanta, even.

Surprisingly long, but still somewhat bitter finish on orange zeste.

Drinkable but mediocre Lowlander. So maybe not Toshan after all? Just kidding. Thanks, Guido.