2010 Stirk Brothers

Stirk Brothers is the independent bottler founded by David Stirk, a whisky writer and former Creative Whisky Company founder. This 2010 release from cask 3 is a single cask blended Scotch—an unusual choice for an independent bottler typically focused on single malts. At 13 years old and bottled at 50% ABV, it sits at the more characterful end of the blended spectrum.

The nose reveals blackcurrant liqueur with toffee and fudge, transitioning into aniseed and a whisper of oak. On the palate, fruity sweetness dominates—fruit liqueur and almond biscuits with vanilla cream coat the tongue. The finish is smooth and flavourful, turning bittersweet with the smoke of a wood fire fading gradually.