Douglas Laing’s Old Particular range of single cask whiskies from all over Scotland was launched in 2013 and up to now has only included single malt’s, that is now all set to change with the release of the first 4 Old Particular single grains. 
The Old Particular Single Grain series launches with 25 year old whiskies from Cameronbridge and Girvan, a 27 year old from Strathclyde and a North British 21 year old. These are all bottled without colouring or chill filtration and are available now from the normal whisky specialists.
North British 21 Years Old 50.9%
On the nose I get some citrus that’s fused with a slightly herbal note reminiscent of lemon thyme, vanilla, there is a dusty woody note, butter icing (sweet but slightly savoury), pine resin and clove spice.
The palate is oaky with a rich mouthfeel, spicy (star anise) with a black pepper warmth and there is an herbal note I can’t quite pinpoint, with a little water it becomes sweeter with a hint of black treacle.
There is a nice spicy finish with a lingering lemon note.
CAMERONBRIDGE 25 Years Old 60.6%
First impressions on the nose, honey, apples, pear drops, pink shrimps (the sweets), quite a lot of alcohol burn. A little water reveals, cream, white pepper and a hint of pineapple.
The palate at full strength is a combination of honey, lemon sherbert’s and is very warming. Adding water reveals sugar syrup, vanilla, oak and reveals a slightly tannic note.
The neat finish is all warm spiciness, with water it still has some peppery spice but with a sweetness complimenting it.
Girvan 25 Year Old 51.5%
The nose offers cereals, grass, a hint of honey, vanilla sugar, slightly floral, cinnamon and nutmeg. A little water added reveals candy floss and limes.
The palate is led by demerera sugar, there is almost a saccharin sweetness, pineapple, there is a touch of spice along with a touch of liquorice. With water it becomes less sweet and slightly astringent with black cardamom and coffee.
The neat finish is slightly drying with the liquorice being dominant, with water the finish is spicy and long with a green herbal edge.
Strathclyde 27 Year Old 51.5%
The Strathclyde’s nose has vanilla, lemons, pepper and a nice tingle of alcohol burn. A couple of drops of water leads to cellulose thinners, cereal notes and digestive biscuits.
On the palate it’s Bourbonesque, sweet, spicy and menthol notes. With water the spicy notes dissipate slightly, with the menthol notes coming to the fore.
On the finish there is plenty of spice and citrus and adding water adds a touch of sweetness to this.
Overall Opinions
For me the Strathclyde really stands out, the bourbon notes hit the spot for me. Tasting it neat it was a real sipping whisky and the addition of water does not detract from it in any way.
The Girvan is probably the whisky which tasted closest to what I expect from a single grain, cereal, vanilla and sweetness.
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