Little Brown Dog is a name we haven’t had before. They started in 2018 as a ‘traditionally unconventional’ independent bottler based in Aberdeenshire, but they already moved into micro-distilling as well. The company is run by Andrew and Chris and takes its name from Andrew’s beloved dog who passed away in 2022.
In our glass is a Super Secret Speysider that is actually not so secret, and a Caol Ila. Both were bottled earlier this year.
Super Secret Speyside 17 yo 2008 (56,5%, Little Brown Dog 2026, first-fill bourbon barrel, 222 btl.)
Nose: malty notes, toasted brioche, slightly bruised apple. With time also a hint of wet cardboard, which actually isn’t too bad. Almonds and dried wildflowers. Then a mild hint of toffee with a very light hint of overripe mango.
Mouth: fruitier, with a light papaya / mango combo, along with oranges and stewed yellow plums. Then a gingery wood note appears, while the malty notes are still going strong. Hints of honey, hay, some nuts. Also citrus zest towards the end.
Finish: medium, with malt, fruits and baking spice in equal measures.
The label pays homage to Mr. Ronnie “red socks” Cox, which gives away the distillery. On the nose it didn’t really go beyond a blender’s whisky, but it got more interesting on the palate. Solid whisky, not spectacular. I found it at Whiskysite.nl.
Caol Ila 13 yo 2012 (55,7%, Little Brown Dog 2026, refill butt, 327 btl.)
Nose: slightly rubbery, certainly buttery. Fatty brioche with smoked ham and some farmyard funk. Also hay, beachside bonfire smoke and some driftwood. After a while also vegetable notes and roasted nuts in the background.
Mouth: salty and sweet. Take salted pretzels, sweet pear and icing sugar, more hay and roasted peanuts. Hints of tarry toffee, if that makes sense. Glazed smoked ham. Warm bonfire ashes, smouldering leaves and gingery notes.
Finish: long, with sooty notes, black pepper and toffee sweetness.
This has lots of elements: some savoury, some a little dirty, some really sweet. A bit on the rugged side, but nice. Score: 87/100