Murray McDavid - Crafted Blend, Half n Half 13y, 2010-2014, Spey Valley Stout Cask Finish, Lowland region blended scotch whisky, 51.5%, 660b

Murray McDavid - Half n Half 13-Year-Old is an expertly crafted blended Scotch whisky from the Lowland region, released as part of the brand’s Crafted Blend Series. This whisky, distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2024, showcases the artistry of combining single malt and single grain whiskies. Its standout feature lies in the Spey Valley Stout Cask Finish, a unique maturation technique that imparts rich, malty, and creamy flavors to the whisky. Bottled at 51.5% ABV, it delivers bold flavors while retaining the Lowland style's elegant and approachable character. With a limited production of just 660 bottles, this release is a rare gem for whisky enthusiasts seeking something innovative and distinct.

“We collaborated with Spey Valley, our local brewery, on this limited edition blend. We supplied them with our empty whiskey barrels to mature their rich, creamy stout; we then used these beer-soaked barrels to create our 'Half 'N 'Half' blend to mature - resulting in a wonderfully luxurious dram."

Key Features

1. Type:

   • A Blended Scotch Whisky, skillfully crafted by combining single malt and single grain whiskies to create balance, complexity, and depth.

2. Region:

   • Made from spirits sourced from the Lowland region, known for its light, floral, and grassy whiskies, which form the foundation of this blend’s approachable and elegant profile.

3. Cask Finish:

   • Finished in Spey Valley Stout Casks, an uncommon and innovative maturation process that adds layers of malty richness, chocolate, and roasted coffee flavors, complementing the whisky’s natural sweetness.

4. Age Statement:

   • Aged for 13 years, this whisky delivers the depth and complexity that comes with extended maturation, while the stout cask finish brings a unique twist.

5. Alcohol by Volume (ABV):

   • Bottled at 51.5% ABV, this cask-strength whisky offers a rich and flavorful experience with a satisfying balance of power and finesse.

6. Limited Edition:

   • With only 660 bottles produced, this is a highly exclusive release, ideal for collectors and adventurous whisky drinkers.

Flavour Profile

1. Nose:

   • Aromas of milk chocolate, toffee, and roasted malt dominate, with subtle hints of vanilla, honeycomb, and a touch of citrus zest.

2. Palate:

   • A creamy and full-bodied palate with flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, and caramelized nuts, balanced by a malty sweetness and whispers of spicy oak. The stout cask finish adds a velvety texture and lingering notes of toasted barley and mocha.

3. Finish:

   • A long and warming finish with lingering notes of rich malt, charred oak, and a subtle bitterness reminiscent of stout beer, leaving a satisfying and memorable impression.

Food Pairing Suggestions

1. Dark Chocolate Desserts:

   • Pair with dark chocolate mousse or chocolate lava cake to enhance the whisky’s rich, malty, and chocolatey notes.

2. Roast Meats:

   • Enjoy with slow-roasted beef or lamb shanks. The whisky’s roasted malt and stout-like bitterness beautifully complement the savory and caramelized flavors of the meat.

3. Cheese:

   • Pair with aged Gouda or smoked cheddar, as the whisky’s malty richness and creamy texture balance the cheese’s sharp and smoky characteristics.

Who Is It For?

Murray McDavid - Half n Half 13-Year-Old is perfect for:

• Adventurous Whisky Drinkers: The Spey Valley Stout Cask Finish sets this whisky apart, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring innovative and unconventional whisky expressions.
• Collectors: With only 660 bottles available, this rare and small-batch release is a must-have for connoisseurs and collectors of unique whiskies.
• Fans of Rich and Malty Profiles: Those who appreciate richer whisky styles with notes of chocolate, malt, and coffee will find this expression particularly enjoyable.
• Cask-Finish Enthusiasts: The stout cask finish adds a distinctive layer of flavor that appeals to those who love whiskies with experimental cask influences.

About the Brand

Murray McDavid is a renowned independent Scotch whisky bottler, established in 1994 and based at the historic Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. The brand is celebrated for its innovative approach to whisky production, with a strong focus on creative blending and maturation techniques. Murray McDavid is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky-making by experimenting with unique cask finishes such as wine, rum, port, and beer casks, as showcased in this release.