During the Hielander whisky festival in Alkmaar, the Netherlands on 16 February 2013 we had booked a masterclass with whiskybard Robin Laing.

Instead of the expected talk about the ‘wonders of the industry’ or the different steps in the process of creating whisky, Robin had prepared the masterclass with five whiskies that all were all accompanied by his whisky-brand-specific songs or poems, telling us with a wink and a lot of humor what the whisky we are drinking is all about.

All of them are bottled by independent bottler Malts of Scotland, without any added colorant or chill-filtration.

Bruichladdich – 1988-2012

54,3% abv, non chill-filtered, no caramel added

There is the scent of malt and a whiff of sweet marshmallows, oak and chocolate, while there is a strong alcohol taste, covered in a layer of sweetness. It finishes sharp, continues long and ends with caramel and chocolate.

This one is a keeper. She can have a lot of water, which brings out the sweet notes, remembering you of the sherry hogshead it has spent it’s life in. A Bruichladdich of the old era that has been created with the same equipment but most likely a different recipe.

Glenturret – 1977-2012
47,4% abv, non chill-filtered, no caramel added

In spite of the returning glue whiffs, this is a really nice dram. In fact, for me it was the winner of the day. Besides with independent bottlers, you will have a hard time finding any Glenturret that has been bottled as a single malt since most of their production ends in the blends of their Famous Grouse.

Arran – 1996-2013