Kingsbarns, Dream to Dram (bottled 2019), 46%

Introduction

Kingsbarns Dream to Dram represents the culmination of a family’s vision, transforming a 19th-century farm steading in Fife into one of Scotland’s most exciting new distilleries. This inaugural flagship release, bottled in 2019, marks the realization of founder Douglas Clement’s dream to create a distinctly Lowland single malt in the “Kingdom of Fife.”

Production Method

• Raw materials: Locally grown Fife barley from the surrounding fields, showcasing the distillery’s commitment to provenance and terroir. The barley variety “Concerto” is primarily used and exclusively from the East Fife region.
• Distillation process: Distilled in copper pot stills designed specifically for Kingsbarns to create a light, fruity spirit. The tall-necked stills promote reflux for a clean, elegant spirit character.
• Maturation: Matured for approximately 3-4 years in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels (90%) from Heaven Hill Distillery and STR (Shaved, Toasted, Re-charred) wine casks (10%) prepared by the renowned Dr. Jim Swan.
• Special techniques: A slow, measured fermentation process lasting around 70 hours contributes to the whisky’s fruity character. The “STR” cask technique, pioneered by the late Dr. Jim Swan who served as Kingsbarns’ production advisor, involves a specific cask treatment that enhances flavor complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Banana, pineapple and summer berries, with a slight hint of gingerbread and honey. Fresh and clean with a distinctive cereal note reflecting its Lowland origins.
• Palate: Soft mouthfeel with notes of vanilla, caramel and red apples. A gentle spice builds with cinnamon and ginger alongside toasted oak and coconut shavings.
• Finish: Medium length with lingering ginger spice, sweet vanilla and delicate wood notes. A subtle hint of mint provides refreshing clarity on the finish.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to best experience its delicate flavors.
• Glass recommendation: A Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped whisky glass to concentrate the aromas.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat, though a few drops of water can help release additional fruity notes and soften the spice.
• Food pairings: Pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly Scottish salmon or scallops. Also complements apple-based desserts and medium-firm cheeses like Comté.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 46% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Lowlands, Fife
• Certifications/Awards: Winner of “Best Lowland Single Malt” at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards, and Gold at the 2019 Scotch Whisky Masters.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Kingsbarns Dream to Dram captures the essence of Fife’s terroir, offering a genuine farm-to-bottle experience that few distilleries can match in today’s whisky landscape.

As one of Scotland’s newest distilleries with limited production capacity, bottles from these early releases represent a rare opportunity to experience the beginning of Kingsbarns’ whisky journey.

Created under the watchful eye of the late Dr. Jim Swan, renowned as “the Einstein of whisky” for his expertise in cask selection and maturation, this release carries the hallmark of true whisky craftsmanship.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The whisky world took immediate notice of Kingsbarns, with critics and experts praising its remarkable quality despite its youth—proving that age isn’t everything when production is executed with precision.

Those who discover Kingsbarns often become devoted advocates, appreciating the distillery’s commitment to local ingredients and transparent production practices.

Industry luminaries including whisky writer Dave Broom have highlighted Dream to Dram as a standout example of the exciting new wave of Scottish craft distilling, representing the future of Scotch whisky.

From the Wemyss Family to You

In creating Dream to Dram, the Wemyss family has generously shared their passion for fine spirits, offering whisky enthusiasts access to a meticulously crafted single malt that reflects their dedication to quality.

The approachable character of this whisky reflects the warmth and hospitality that visitors experience when touring the picturesque Kingsbarns Distillery, nestled in the rolling countryside of Fife.

By choosing Dream to Dram, you join a community of discerning whisky drinkers who value authenticity and craftsmanship, becoming part of the continuing story of this remarkable distillery—will you be among those who discovered Kingsbarns in its formative years?