There’s a particular sort of magic when wood meets spirit—when time carves character into something born clear and fiery. It’s the dance of tannin and temperature, tradition and experimentation. That magic is precisely what Douglas Laing & Co. captures in its new Epicurean Three Wood Finish, a limited-edition Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at a commanding 54.1% ABV.
Just 1,920 bottles of this small batch release will find their way into the world, each one a layered expression of barrel craft and regional finesse. Though the details of the whisky’s initial maturation remain closely held, its final shaping is anything but subtle—finished in a trio of casks that impart complexity and richness in equal measure.
First, there’s Virgin Oak, which lends spice, toast, and bold structure. Then ex-Bourbon barrels, those vanilla-and-honey workhorses of the industry. Finally, ex-Sherry casks round out the composition with ripe fruit, mellow sweetness and warmth, delivering a whisky that earns The Epicurean its nickname: Master of Versatility.
The tasting experience reflects that orchestration. On the nose, you’ll find bright citrus and vanilla cream, backed by toasted oak, honey, dried fruits, and nutmeg. The palate is silky, cascading from baking spices and baked apple to golden syrup, anchored by a sherried depth that lingers into the long, toffee-rich finish, where dark fruits and oak dryness whisper their last notes.
True to Douglas Laing tradition, the whisky is non-chill filtered and uncoloured, with a foil-embossed label that signals its premium status without saying a word too loudly.
Chloe Wood, Brand Manager at Douglas Laing, frames it as a tribute to craftsmanship:
“We believe flavour is developed throughout the whisky-making process, but it comes alive in maturation. The Epicurean Three Wood Finish is proof of that – a wonderfully versatile Lowland Malt, layered with richness, spice and sweetness.”
Priced at £65.00 / €77.00, The Epicurean Three Wood Finish is available now in select global markets—but it won’t be around for long. Like the best wood, it was shaped with intention and meant to be savored. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.
