Half 'n' Half 2010/2024 13 Year Old Spey Valley Stout Cask Murray McDavid (70cl, 51.5%)

Half 'n' Half is a blended Scotch from Murray McDavid, made from equal parts Speyside single malt and single grain from the Highlands and Lowlands. It was distilled in 2010 and matured in bourbon hogsheads, then finished in first-fill stout casks from the Spey Valley Brewery. The idea comes from a Glasgow bar custom of serving Scotch with half a pint of beer. Murray McDavid lent the brewery empty hogsheads for stout, then used them for this blend. Casks 2100184 and 2100188 gave 660 bottles in spring 2024, at 51.5% after 13 years, with no chill-filtering or added colour. The nose has sweet malt, milk chocolate and vanilla. The palate brings creamy grain, spicy latte and soft fruit. The finish keeps gentle oak spice, fruity malt and oat biscuit.