The Cairn, First Peek, 2025, 3 yrs, 57%, WB291768

The Cairn is situated in the middle of a nature reserve and they are not even allowed to mature their whisky on site, I was told when I visited the distillery in 2025. They said the whisky is transported to Benromach. During the tour, which reminded me more of a great show than a distillery facility, I was also told that they do not intend to release their first bottling until it is at least 10 or 12 years old, but definitely not 3. Perhaps I misunderstood them...There is even a giant circular clock indicating future releases (see below).

Nose: Alcoholic punch – they should have waited a few more years. It's very tingling, almost burning, to the nose. If you can endure the burning sensation, you can detect vanilla notes and creamy, milky sweets. But that’s it; the next burning sensation hits and knocks you out. If you dare to smell it again, you might detect some crème brûlée notes. Wild, harsh, untamed youthfulness.

Palate: I must admit it's very sweet, almost artificially so. There are typical new make notes, such as pear and bad grappa. There is also a malty flavour and a burning, numbing sensation from the alcohol. Sorry, but there's just no point in drinking this further.

Finish: None.

OK, maybe after the second or third sip, some oak notes and an oily sensation linger in the mouth. Why didn't they wait? Why the rush? 1000 bottles of this toxic drink – who is going to drink it all? But, as a great man once said: 'Wisdom is the reward for surviving our own stupidity.' Brian Rathbone.

79/77/70