Vintage Edition Scotch Set // Gerston + Stratheden // 750 ml Each

The Lost Distillery Company presents a modern interpretation of the legendary Gerston One Distillery and Stratheden Distillery with this Vintage Edition Scotch Set.

Gerston Distillery was a family-owned, farm-house scale distillery with a typically small output. They made high quality spirit that was in demand both at home and further afield. Whisky was supplied in cask to merchants, private individuals, and to local landowners. Other notable consumers of Gerston were the Duke of Wellington, the Bank of England, the Army and Navy Club in London, and the Archbishop of York.

Aroma: A relatively closed nose; clean and fresh, with traces of linen and herbal fabric freshener. After a while a light, spicy prickle emerges, topping a fruity/doughy note of apple dumpling, made with suet and dusted with nutmeg. With a drop of water the paper note advances, joined by warm leatherette and a trace of steam.

Taste: Smooth texture, sweet taste, and a surprising amount of smoke in the finish—more coal smoke/steam engine than peat smoke. An unusual, antique taste, which holds up well with a drop of water, although the smoky element is reduced. A marriage of 100% vintage aged Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, no added colour, not chill filtered.

Stratheden Distillery was also known as Auchtermuchty towards the end of the 19th century. It was owned by the Bonthrone family who were large local brewers from the 1600s. The founder of the distillery was Alexander Bonthrone (b.1798) who distilled until his death in 1890, making him the oldest distiller in Scotland! His whisky was reputed to be “one of the best” with water sourced from the renowned Lovers Pool.

Aroma: A dense, leathery nose to start, then dry fruit-cake, madeira cake (with Maraschino cherries) and tinned pears. After a while a hint of pastry, hard toffee and sweet tobacco. A drop of water introduces pastry made with lard and adds a brown-paper note to faint pears.

Taste: Surprisingly sweet and peppery to taste at bottled strength, with a trace of salt and a warming, medium-length finish. Lingering heat. Similar profile with water, at reduced levels, but with more fruit.