Description
The 16th of June 2025 marks 25 years of Thompson family stewardship at Dornoch Castle – and what a quarter of a century it has been.
From the early days of navigating the highs and lows of hospitality (9-11 mass cancellations, 2008 financial crisis, covid, cost of living crisis, to name but a few!). We’ve grown to establish the Castle Bar as one of the world’s most respected whisky destinations. Along the way, we’ve built an on-site distillery, launched an independent bottling company that now exports globally – all from the small but mighty town of Dornoch.
This 33-year-old Islay single malt marks the beginning of a special series of releases to commemorate this journey. A tribute to the past, and a toast to what lies ahead.
The next 25 years promise to be just as exciting, with the development of Struie Distillery underway and some bold plans for both Dornoch Castle and Thompson Bros. Whisky.
Thank you for being part of the adventure so far.
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – bottled for the Thompson Family’s 25th anniversary at the Dornoch Castle Hotel
1991, 33 Years Old
49.1% ABV
244 bottles
Artwork by: Whisky Hobo
Nose (neat): Elegantly tight and chiselled – opening with saline peat, chalk dust, crushed oyster shell and a wave of iodine-tincture; subtle herbal threads of dill, parsley and fresh lemon peel; undertones of wet wool and gentle camphor reminiscent of classic early ’90s (Lp) Islay bottlings
Nose (with water): It becomes more intricate. Salty cockles emerge alongside touches of menthol, grapefruit zest, winkles in brine, and chalky minerality.
Palate (neat): Clean, sharp, peppery hit (white pepper) – with brine, seaweed and lemon‑lime acidity; crisp peat smoke weaving through an umami core; touches of Szechuan pepper and green herbal notes (sage).
Palate (with water): A richer, salt‑driven mid‑palate with creamy parsley sauce (think East End Pie and Liquor); hints of dried mango and tangerine cordial peek through the savoury landscape.
Finish: Long, bright, coastal, peppery, saline and faintly medicinal; concluding on smoked teas, grapefruit rind and a lingering chalky-salty aftertaste.
A superb cask to mark the beginning of a landmark series – this 33-year-old Islay sets a high bar for the 25th Anniversary of the Thompson family’s stewardship of Dornoch Castle. Elegantly coastal and full of quiet complexity; a fitting tribute to the journey so far – and a tantalising preview of what’s to come.
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Non-chill filtered and natural colour. This spirit may haze at low temperatures and under dilution.
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