Edinburgh whisky broker Cask 88 reveal limited edition third release in their folklore series

The third whisky in the Cask 88 folklore series has been unveiled - and it's on sale this month.

Published 15th Jul 2020
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

Edinburgh-based whisky broker and independent bottler Cask 88 have announced the release of the third in their award-winning series of single cask whisky bottlings inspired by the legends of Scottish folklore.

The new addition to the series is a 19 Year Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt (70cl; 53.9% ABV; £475 RRP), finished in a first fill Château Léoville-Las Cases Bordeaux barrique - and there's only 258 bottles available to buy.

Available for general sale from 6pm on Thursday 16 July, the team say that that latest release embodies the spirit of the Cailleach Beira, who is said to be the Mother of all other deities in Scottish folklore.

She is the personification of winter, ushering in the change of the seasons with her tidal mood, and washing her plaid shawl in the Corryvreckan whirlpool off the coast of Islay.

Award winning series

The 19 Year Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt: Cailleach Beira joins a series which boasts a strong performance record in international awards.

The first release in this series was a 45 Year Old Ben Nevis 1972 Single Malt (70cl; 43.2% ABV; £650 RRP), represented by the Cù-Sìth from Scottish folklore - a mythical hound with a murderous bark which is said to stalk the Highlands.

The 45 Year Old Ben Nevis: Cù-Sìth picked up gold medals at the 2018 International Wine and Spirits Competition in the Highland Single Malt 30-45 Year Old category and the Design & Media Awards category, and a gold medal at the 2018 Independent Bottlers Challenge.

The second bottle in the series was a 22 Year Old Arran 1997 Single Malt (70cl; 42.4% ABV; £200 RRP), represented by the capricious selkie, which was awarded a gold medal at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters, and sold out within days of release.

Intended to bond the stories of Scotland’s unique history with the very finest expressions of its spirit, the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore series will consist of six unique, single cask expressions, each featuring a mythical beast who has roamed the Highlands, stalked the Lowlands or inhibited the Islands.

“It’s a pleasure to have such an iconic single malt as part of our collection inspired by Scottish folklore,” said Cask 88 director, Patrick Costello.

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“This particular single cask caught our attention because of its complex and brooding personality that reminded us of Cailleach Beira herself.

"Originally intended as a warming dram to guide through the change of seasons, changes to our release schedule have given our Cailleach Beira the chance to walk in the sun.”

Where to buy

The 19 Year Old Laphroaig 2001 Single Malt: Cailleach Beira from the Cask 88 Scottish Folklore Series will be available to purchase through the Cask 88 website and from Whisky Foundation for worldwide delivery, and in person from Cask 88 sales managers globally.

Tasting Notes

Cask 88

Nose
Starts sweet and musty, like freshly trampled grapes. There’s a richness like black cherry jam on wholemeal toast. The toasted note becomes a full burning peat fire within a few moments, undercut by grated nutmeg and Laproaig’s distinctive algal iodine.

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Taste
Dense and chewy on the tongue, like a dark malt loaf studded with dried cherries and pecan nuts. A heavy oakiness is a solid anchor, around which flavours of honey-glazed ham, smoked paprika and laver cake coalesce.

Finish
Once the smoke has cleared (which takes a little while), there’s a lingering note of after-dinner brandy and praline chocolates. Those ones that are shaped like seashells.

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Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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