Thompson Brothers Highland 18yo

The Thompson Bros Highland 18 Year Old is a characterful independent bottling of single malt Scotch whisky from an undisclosed Highland distillery, offering an intriguing combination of mature peat smoke, coastal minerality and rich, savoury complexity.

Selected and bottled by Thompson Bros, the independent bottling arm associated with Dornoch Distillery, this mystery Highland expression has spent 18 years maturing before being bottled at a robust 48.5% ABV.

The extended maturation has produced a whisky of considerable depth, balancing powerful smoky characteristics with refined fruit, gentle sweetness and distinctive maritime influences.

The nose opens with charred hazelnuts, dusty peated malt and burnt herbs, accompanied by tar, sea air and aromatic heather smoke. Delicate hints of quince and apple peel provide a contrasting fruity character.

On the palate, sharp citrus and stewed apple develop alongside heather honey, wet slate minerality and a pronounced saline quality. Savoury notes of cured meat and coastal brine add further complexity, supported by earthy peat smoke.

The finish is long, warming and distinctly earthy, with lingering smoke, salted peanut brittle and a subtle cigar-like richness.

A compelling Highland single malt that brings together the intensity of mature peat with the balance and complexity developed through 18 years of ageing.