Thompson Bros 8 Year Old North Highland

North Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 8 Years Old (44.9% ABV), with artwork by KMG, opens on the nose with peaches and cream alongside coastal wet rocks, touches of kiwi and white pepper, and even a curious note described as “halfway between petrol and marzipan,” giving an impression reminiscent of Riesling and putty. The palate is soft and gentle, almost disarmingly so, offering mandarin-like citrus, jelly baby sweetness with icing sugar and gelatine, and a strong vein of minerality. The finish lingers with honeydew melon, waxy peaches, candle wax, and slate. This year’s batch stays true to the principles of the previous two releases, but with subtle refinements: the whisky was carefully diluted from 56.8% to 44.9% over the course of 47 days—around 0.25% per day—almost entirely within cask, ensuring patience in the final stage to match the years of blending; and a discreet 3% addition of heavily peated D**more brings a quiet smokiness to the profile.