If you're venturing into the world of Scotch whisky, two names worth noting are Tri Carragh and Glenlaird. Both brands, under the stewardship of Edinburgh-based Stravaig Spirits, offer distinct experiences that cater to different palates and preferences.

🥃 Tri Carragh: Celebrating the Essence of Single Cask Whiskies

Tri Carragh, translating to "three pillars" in Gaelic, pays homage to the foundational elements of whisky: water, barley, and yeast. As an independent bottler, Tri Carragh specializes in single cask, cask-strength whiskies, each offering a unique profile.

Notable Releases:

  • Bowmore 27-Year-Old Sherry Butt: An Islay single malt matured in a sherry butt, delivering rich notes of dried fruits and a touch of smoke.

  • Blair Athol 12-Year-Old Port Barrique: A Highland malt finished in a Port barrique, offering flavors of dark berries and spice.
  • Lowland Distillery (Dalrymple) 10-Year-Old Oloroso Hogshead: This expression boasts a thick nose with dark maple syrup and treacle, leading to a palate dominated by dark fruits and a long, toffee-infused finish.

Tri Carragh's commitment to natural presentation—bottling without chill filtration or added coloring—ensures that each whisky retains its authentic character.

🥃 Glenlaird: A Tribute to Highland Heritage

Glenlaird emerged from Stravaig Spirits' desire to offer consistent, high-quality single malts in larger volumes, particularly to meet the demands of markets like South Korea. Each batch is selected through blind tastings, focusing solely on flavor profiles without distillery bias.

Core Expressions:

  • Glenlaird 10-Year-Old: Sourced from Balmenach distillery, this Speyside malt presents notes of salted vanilla, wet grass, and a toasted caramel finish.

  • Glenlaird 12-Year-Old Lightly Peated: Believed to be from Loch Lomond, this Highland malt offers a balance of light mineral smoke, green apple, and butterscotch sweetness.

Notably, the Glenlaird 12-Year-Old Lightly Peated expression received a Gold award at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, praised for its herbaceous notes and gentle wood smoke reminiscent of autumnal bonfires.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Whether you're drawn to the unique, cask-strength offerings of Tri Carragh or the consistent, flavor-focused expressions of Glenlaird, both brands exemplify the diversity and richness of Scotch whisky. Their shared commitment to quality and authenticity ensures a rewarding experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

If you're interested in exploring these whiskies further or seeking recommendations tailored to your taste preferences, feel free to ask!

 

 

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