Croftengea 2005 18YO Cask #266, Single Cask Nation

Founded in 2011 by Joshua Hatton (an American) and Jason Johnstone-Yellin (a Scot), Single Cask Nation is the United States' only independent bottler following the Scottish tradition. Each cask selected is bottled at natural cask strength, free from chill filtering and artificial colour, with the distillery source front and center. While the SCN reputation was established with exquisite Scotch selections we also bottle American bourbon, rye, single malt, rum, mezcal, and light whisky (aka American grain whisky).

This release comes from Loch Lomond (Croftengea) Distillery
Cask # 266
2nd fill Bourbon Hogshead
Distilled February 2005
18 years old
One of only 284 bottles produced

Tasting notes:
Colour: Pilsner gold

Nose: A funky combination of pine resin covered onion ring crisps (the maize snack sort) give way to chestnut honey and citrus zest. It’s a curious one we admit, but insists that you take a sip.

Palate: Rich in texture, the palate reminds you of the honey found in the nose but also brings cocoa powder to even out the sweetness. Further investigation brings an Italian antipasti of olive oil, Salame Napoli and fresh sourdough bread. Only then does the smoke reveal itself, gently unfurling on the tongue.

Finish: After our grazing feast, the finish is meaty and lasting. The final throws bring back some of the olive oil but this time with cracked black pepper in the end.