Holyrood – NOIR Trilogy Premier Cru Yeast Single Malt Whisky (47.2%)

This is a single malt from Holyrood in Edinburgh, part of the NOIR Trilogy, which pairs French wine yeast with Scottish malt. It is bottled at 47.2% ABV. The spirit is East Lothian pot still malt, fermented with Pinnacle M and Maurivin yeasts and matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Chardonnay casks. Tasting notes describe a nose of sawdust, fresh dough, brioche and buttercups, with golden apples, pears and a little white chocolate. The palate is creamy and lively, with tarte Tatin, salted caramel, toffee apples, peaches and pastry sweetness, lifted by lemon zest. The finish is medium to short, softly dry, with vanilla and light orange peel.