The Fat Trout 8 YO Lowland Single Malt

The Fat Trout 8 YO Lowland Single Malt, 40 %

I have previously reviewed the standard 3 YO blend in The Fat Trout range (see review). Now it is time to take a closer look at The Fat Trout 8 YO Lowland Single Malt.

This is a single malt, but the distillery is not disclosed. Independent bottler Ian Macleod is listed as the producer.

A 70 cl bottle of The Fat Trout 8 YO Lowland Single Malt will set you back NOK 450 (2093601) in Norway.

Nose: Huh! Well this was a surprising curve ball. My first impression is that of citrus and brine. Is there a trout here after all? remember I failed to find it in the regular Fat Trout. OK, I'll dive back in. Dust and oak now spring to mind. Cinnamon and icing sugar. Mustard seeds and something else that is quite distinct but I simply cannot put my finger on it. It grows on me.

Taste: Richer, oilier and a bit rougher on the palate than the regular expression. Almost buttery, but just for a brief moment. Then comes the spices - dry and sand like - white pepper, ginger and cinnamon. Dark chocolate with bits of orange zest.

Finish: Medium long finish. Still quite spicy. What sweetness was there quickly drains away, and I am left with an oak, cinnamon, ginger and caramel mix. A bit watery in the end.

Comments: It's an OK dram, but I actually prefer the much younger (and blended) regular expression.

Score (76/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas