Independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co. has revealed The Gauldrons Eclipse, a limited-edition Campbeltown blended malt Scotch whisky. This release marks the first time a whisky in the brand’s portfolio has been finished in orange wine casks sourced from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
The expression is a marriage of single cask single malts sourced exclusively from distilleries in the Campbeltown region.
The Gauldrons is part of the Glasgow-based company’s Remarkable Regional Malts series, which also includes expressions representing Islay, the Highlands, the Lowlands, Speyside, and the Islands.
Campbeltown, once known as the ‘whisky capital of the world’ with more than 30 distilleries, is now Scotland’s smallest official whisky-producing region. This history contributes to the enigmatic character often associated with its whiskies.
The use of orange wine casks for finishing spirits is a growing trend, intended to bring a new dimension to the final product.
Bottled at a natural cask strength of 52.9% ABV, the whisky is offered without added color or chill-filtration.
Chloe Wood, brand manager, said: “The Gauldrons has always embodied a sense of mystery, rooted in Campbeltown’s rich Whisky heritage. With Eclipse, we have taken that story further, embracing the rare and the unexpected through Orange Wine cask finishing.”
She added that the expression is “distinctive and enigmatic, crafted for those drawn to the unexpected.”
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According to the official notes from the brand, the nose offers “malt, dried apricots, orange peel and toasted almonds.” The palate delivers “walnuts, honey, ginger and stone fruits,” leading to a finish of “spice, tangy orange and nutty depths.”
The global release is limited to just 3,000 bottles.
The Gauldrons Eclipse is available from select specialist Scotch whisky retailers and online for a suggested retail price of £70 (US$92) / €80. The bottle-only release includes a neck tag with a QR code linking to a tasting video hosted by global ambassador Dougal Barr.
