Six Highland Fifteeners

In our next tasting, we’ll explore the Highlands — Scotland’s largest and most varied whisky region, stretching from Atlantic coastlines to inland glens. The Highland/Lowland divide dates back to the 1784 Wash Act, which taxed Highland stills differently than Lowland ones, inadvertently shaping a smuggling culture — by the early 1800s, more than half of Scotland’s whisky was distilled illicitly in the Highland hills, hidden from excise men under the cover of night.

Because the region spans so much geography, “Highland whisky” isn’t one flavor — it’s many: coastal salinity, sherried richness, honeyed elegance, and everything between. Fifteen years is a particularly rewarding age for these malts, old enough for real cask integration without the wood overwhelming the spirit’s character. Join us on September 26th as we explore 6 of these Highland single malts.

Please order food when you arrive to support our generous hosts.

The Scotch

1. Glencadam 15 Year Old, 46%
2. Balblair 15 Year Old, 46%
3. 1997 Clynelish 15 Year Old, Distillers Edition (bottled 2012), 46%
4. 1999 Glen Garioch 15 Year Old “The Renaissance,” 1st Chapter (bottled 2014), 51.9%
5. 2011 Oban 15 Year Old, Exclusive Release 2026, Port Cask Finish, 52.1%
6. 2009 Teaninich 15 Year Old, Single Cask Nation, Cask #162418, 2nd Fill Charred Red Wine, 58.1%