Three Dram Circus: A Trio of Characterful Whiskies Worth Your Attention

There are weeks when the world seems a little grey - and then there are weeks when the whisky shelf shines like the gates of Valhalla. This is one of those weeks. Today’s line-up takes us from the windswept Highlands to the steamy depths of a Kentucky rackhouse, featuring three very different spirits that all share one virtue: serious flavour and zero pretence. Let’s get into it.

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 8 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

The Thompson Bros. of Dornoch Distillery have a knack for blending charm with ethics. Batch 3 of their North Highland Blended Malt pulls together whiskies from Clynelish and Glen Ord — both within 39.8 miles of their base (because, of course, 40 would’ve been too mainstream). These distilleries are known for doing things the right way — crop rotation, sustainable fuels, less water waste, and all-round good Highland sense. The whisky was slowly diluted over 47 days (because apparently patience is a flavour), with a cheeky 3% dose of peated malt from a certain D**more to keep things interesting.

Nose: A seaside summer fruit - like eating a rhubarb and custard sweet on the beach whilst licking large smoothed stones on the shore... not that I have done that before. Kiwi, white pepper, and there’s a Riesling-like twang and what seems like the smell of fresh Playdough.

Palate: Gentle and dangerously drinkable. Think mandarins, stick of rock by the beach (definite salty notes coming through) crisp taste of fresh mineral water. The texture is so smooth it feels like it’s plotting something.

Finish: Honeydew melon, waxed peaches, a lick of candle wax, and slate. Summer in the Highlands — if the weather ever behaved.

One of the best blends I have tasted in a long time and at a very decent price too. 91/100

Mortlach 12 Year Old 2013 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Ah, Mortlach — the “Beast of Dufftown.” For this single cask release, distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2025, Master of Malt have tapped into that meaty, muscular side of Speyside. Only 300 bottles came from the refill hogshead, uncoloured, unfiltered, and full of character. Mortlach still uses worm tubs — those old-school condensers that make spirit denser, meatier, and infinitely more interesting. Efficiency be damned, flavour’s the goal. Mortlach is a distillery I love and is up there in my top 5 distilleries so lets see how this goes. Firstly this is the smoothest whisky I have ever had over 60%abv. Very dangerous!

Nose: Funk and fruit in equal measure. Creamy malt meets overripe tropicals — pineapple, marmalade, and a touch of almond butter on oatcakes.

Palate: Rich and layered. Toffee, browned butter, syrupy sponge cake and yellow plums dance with pastry and hazelnut cream. There’s even a flash of oaken vanilla to remind you it’s a gentleman beneath the funk.

Finish: The beast reawakens — meaty malt, candied walnut, caramel chew, drying oak and a teasing lick of chilli chocolate. It lingers like a well-timed punchline.

One of my favourite whisky's I have has in a while. 93/100

Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon (Batch 2025-01E)

Crossing the Atlantic, we find ourselves knee-deep in Kentucky tradition with Booker’s — the bourbon that refuses to whisper. First released in 1992 in honour of Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s grandson, each batch is bottled straight from the barrel — uncut, unfiltered, and unrepentant. This 2025 edition was aged for 7 years, 1 month, and 11 days, clocking in at 63.15% ABV, which is bourbon-speak for “handle with care (and maybe a drop of water).” Aged in the sweet spot at the heart of the rackhouse, this is as true a bourbon experience as you’ll find without stealing a thief’s jug from the distillery floor.

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch swagger out first — like a dessert trolley in a leather jacket. Beneath that, a whisper of oak char and warm spice.

Palate: Sweet vanilla cream meets toasted oak, rich caramel, and a backbone of smoky depth, and that hit of Vicks VapoRub. A powerhouse of flavour that somehow stays balanced — like a heavyweight on a tightrope.

Finish: Long, warming, and unapologetically bold. Oak, spice, and a final flicker of sweet smoke, followed but hit of menthol, like eating a piece of Airwaves, that Kentucky hug that lasts far longer than you’d expect (and you’ll be grateful for it).

This is so desserty, autumnal, rich in vanilla and oakiness. 92/100

Final Thoughts

From the clean coastal Highlands to the funky depths of Dufftown and the blazing heart of Kentucky, this trio shows just how far barley and corn can stretch when they fall into the right hands. Whether you’re sipping the Thompson Bros.’ elegant blend, wrestling with Mortlach’s meaty complexity, or braving Booker’s fiery bourbon embrace, one thing’s certain — this flight is not for the faint of palate.

Which was your favourite?

• Thompson Bros Highland Blend 8yr Old
• Masters of Malt Mortlach 12 year old
• Bookers Bourbon True Barrel 2025-01E