Chapter 31
My first Lindores Abbey Whisky
On our way to Speyside, we made a memorable stop in the Lowlands at a not-so-hidden gem—Lindores Abbey Distillery. Tucked away in the charming village of Newburgh, this distillery is a must-visit for anyone exploring Scotland’s whisky scene.
What sets Lindores apart isn’t just the quality of the whisky—it’s the character, the setting, and the story. The distillery sits beside the ruins of Lindores Abbey, where Friar John Cor was recorded distilling “aqua vitae” in 1494—the first written mention of whisky in Scotland. That rich legacy blends seamlessly with the warm, modern welcome you’ll get as a visitor today.
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the craftsmanship, or just looking for a scenic and flavorful detour, Lindores Abbey Distillery is absolutely worth the stop.
After Leo’s interview with Lorena (Leo’s Chapter 41) The team has been so wonderfully welcoming to us. They showed us around, had a bit of a chat sipping the new make and a couple of drams and gave us a couple more to try home. This is a summary of our tasting and recommendations. If you never tried Lindores Abbey, do it. Their new make baseline is a guarantee for future delights.
Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV - 46%
Lindores Abbey’s core range offering starts with this NAS product. The name is roman number for 1494. It’s offered un-chill filtered and natural colour at 46% abv. Maturation is a mix of bourbon, sherry and wine casks.
Nose: A delightful blend of caramel, ginger, and lemon custard, reminiscent of a zesty dessert.
Palate: Pungent ginger warmth intertwined with sweet honey, creating a harmonious balance.
Finish: More caramel and ginger. Honeydew.
Overall: A youthful yet promising expression that pays homage to the distillery’s rich new make. Reasonably priced.
Lindores Abbey Thiron 2024 - 49.4%
Named after the French village where Lindores monks were from, this dram features a maturation in European oak and it’s presented at a generous 49.4% abv.
Nose: Inviting aromas of tangerine and herbal notes, evoking a fresh orchard breeze.
Palate: Aloe vera’s soothing touch meets the warmth of cinnamon and ginger, layered with roasted chestnuts.
Finish: Tangerine peel and peach juice.
Overall: A complex and silky dram still at an acceptable price.
Lindores Abbey Cask of Lindores Bourbon - 49.4%
Pure bourbon matured expression for Lindores, offered at the usual generous 49.4% abv. I always recommend expressions like this one to try to appreciate the pure essence of a distillery without any overpowering cask influence.
Nose: Strawberry yogurt and apricot meld with toasted almonds and orange peel, sprinkled with sugar cane sweetness.
Palate: A vibrant mix of kumquat and dried apricots, offering a tangy yet rich profile.
Finish: Crème brûlée meets oat biscuits, culminating in a caramel-laden porridge warmth.
Overall: A dessert-like indulgence that showcases the finesse of bourbon cask maturation. At around £55 in the UK, it takes the badge.
Lindores Abbey The Casks of Lindores II - STR Wine Barrique Cask - 49.4%
Similar characteristics, but this time Shaved-Toasted-Re-charred wine barrique casks. I’d say Red French wine, but I might be wrong.
Nose: Hints of shortcrust pastry and tangerine dance with custard nuances, underlined by a subtle sulfur note.
Palate: Pineapple juice and barley sugars harmonize with acacia honey, delivering a textured experience.
Finish: A fleeting puff of licorice stick leaves a memorable impression.
Overall: An intriguing expression that balances sweetness with a touch of spice
Lindores Abbey 2018 Sherry Butt (Exclusive Cask 18/585) - 61.4%
Single cask, cask strength expression at 61.4% abv. Matured in an Oloroso Sherry Butt for little more than 6 years.
Nose: Rich salted caramel intertwines with pecan nuts and a hint of bergamot, creating a luxurious aroma.
Palate: Decadent notes of dates and praline, reminiscent of a Mon Chéri chocolate.
Finish: Cranberries and hazelnuts provide a tart yet nutty conclusion.
Overall: A sherry lover’s dream, offering depth and indulgence in every sip.
Overall
Lindores Abbey may be a young distillery, but it stands on centuries of history—literally. Just an hour from Edinburgh, it’s the perfect whisky-lovers’ day trip, blending ancient monastic roots with modern distilling mastery. Despite their short time in the game, Lindores is already proving they mean business, with a strong emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and a seriously impressive new make spirit that sets the foundation for all their expressions.
Independently owned and clearly fueled by passion, the team at Lindores isn’t chasing trends—they’re crafting whiskies with character, depth, and heart. That dedication shines through in every dram we’ve tried. The future? It’s glowing amber and looking very bright. If you’ve never explored Lindores before, now’s the time—we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV – 46%
- Lindores Abbey Thiron 2024 – 49.4%
- Lindores Abbey Cask of Lindores Bourbon – 49.4%
- Lindores Abbey The Casks of Lindores II – STR Wine Barrique Cask – 49.4%
- Lindores Abbey 2018 Sherry Butt (Exclusive Cask 18/585) – 61.4%