Annandale Man O’ Words 2015 Founders’ Selection (Bourbon Cask #486), 58.5%

Introduction

Annandale Distillery in the Lowlands of Scotland has a fascinating history dating back to 1836, but lay silent for more than 90 years until it was revived in 2014 by David and Teresa Thomson. The “Man O’ Words” series is a tribute to Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, who lived just a few miles from the distillery, and this particular Founders’ Selection from Bourbon Cask #486 represents some of the earliest and most sought-after whisky from the revived production.

Production Method

• Raw materials: High-quality Scottish malted barley, carefully selected to reflect the soft and elegant character of the Lowlands region
• Distillation process: Double distilled in traditional copper pot stills at Annandale Distillery, built with respect for historical methods and the original distillery equipment
• Maturation: Aged in a first-fill ex-bourbon oak cask (Cask #486) from 2015, contributing the vanilla, caramel and fruity notes characteristic of bourbon cask maturation
• Special techniques: Bottled at cask strength without dilution or chill filtration (non-chill filtered), preserving the cask’s full character and complexity; released as part of the exclusive and limited Founders’ Selection

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh vanilla and honey from the bourbon cask, accompanied by ripe fruit – green apples, pears and peaches – with a subtle floral lightness and hints of gentle oak and coconut
• Palate: Full-bodied and complex at cask strength, with waves of creamy toffee, vanilla and tropical fruit, complemented by a mild spiciness with hints of ginger, white pepper and a fresh grain character
• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of sweet oak, honey and a light fruity sweetness that fades gradually, leaving a pleasant, dry and mildly spiced finish

Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: Room temperature, approximately 18–20°C, to best highlight the nose and flavour profile
• Glassware: A tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn glass, which concentrates the aromas and enhances the full tasting experience
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to experience the whisky’s full cask strength character; a few drops of cold, soft water may be added to open up additional aromas and nuances
• Food pairings: Pairs excellently with aged cheeses such as cheddar or comté, dark chocolate, caramelised nuts, or lightly pan-fried scallops with butter and thyme

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 58.5% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70 cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Lowlands – Annandale Distillery, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway
• Certifications/Awards: Annandale Distillery and their Founders’ Selection bottlings have received widespread recognition from international whisky experts and have been featured in respected whisky publications such as Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, as well as by judges at international spirits competitions

Summary

A unique tasting experience

Annandale Man O’ Words 2015 Founders’ Selection from Bourbon Cask #486 is an exceptional whisky that unites historical heritage with modern distilling craftsmanship in a cask strength bottling that very few can match.

As part of a strictly limited Founders’ Selection, this is one of the most coveted bottlings from Annandale’s very first years of production following its reopening – a piece of distillery history that can never be recreated.

Annandale Distillery is recognised by international whisky experts for its dedication to quality and tradition, and this expression is a shining example of why the distillery has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting new names.

Recognition from connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts around the world have embraced Annandale’s Founders’ Selection bottlings with great enthusiasm, and the Man O’ Words series is consistently cited as one of the most characterful and rewarding releases from the revived distillery.

When you choose a bottle from the Founders’ Selection, you become part of an exclusive community of dedicated whisky collectors and enthusiasts who value authenticity, craftsmanship and historical significance above all else.

The widespread acclaim from experienced tasters and whisky journalists confirms that Annandale Bourbon Cask #486 is not merely a fine whisky – it is a reference expression from a distillery in full bloom.

From Annandale Distillery to you

The family behind Annandale has poured their heart and soul into reviving a piece of Scottish cultural heritage, and every bottle from the Founders’ Selection is an expression of the passion and craftsmanship they wish to share with the world.

There is something truly beautiful about a whisky born out of respect for history, for local heritage and for the poetic spirit of Robert Burns – a spirit that permeates every single drop in this bottle.

Join the community of those who appreciate the authentic and the rare, and let Annandale Man O’ Words 2015 Founders’ Selection earn its place on your whisky shelf – or savour it in good company as a tribute to Scottish culture at its finest.