Claxton's Red Comyn 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This label is another nod to the historical surrounds of Claxton's Dalswinton Estate. The association with John “The Red” Comyn is a bit of a tale (you can read more about it below). The decorative bottle that bears his name contains whisky suitably finished in Portuguese ruby port casks giving it a distinctive ruby hue. It runs with the red-berry theme of this medium-weight malt. The first sniff hints at heather honey, red apples and raspberries with nuances of citrus blossom and vanilla. Less ripe in the mouth, the red fruits return, by the finish leaning towards the dried berry end of the spectrum, slightly tangy and a bit like liquid summer pudding. Bottled at 48% ABV, Red Comyn is set to remain part of Claxton's core range, at a price that's very reasonable. Tasted from a 25ml sample.

Other reviews... Nose: strawberry, raspberry, floral note like orange blossom, vanilla and ginger Palate: strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, wee bit oak brings ginger & vanilla, malted barley note that’s like a pastry filled with cream Finish: oak is stronger- dryness like cranberry & hazelnut, still have strawberry & raspberry. Very drinkable. - whiskybase.com

On February 10th, 1306, what is arguably the most important political murder in Scottish history took place. John Comyn, (The Red), was stabbed to death in the church of Greyfriars Monastery by the future King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce. The meeting had been requested by Bruce with the hope of joining forces with the Comyns to defeat Edward, unfortunately, this alliance was not to be.  The full detail of what happened next has been lost to folklore but allegedly Robert the Bruce came out of the chapel and confessed to his men Roger de Kirkpatrick and Sir Robert Fleming what had happened. Kirkpatrick then declared “I mak siccar” and ran into the church to make sure that the Red Comyn was indeed, dead. To this day, the Kirkpatrick clan crest shows a hand holding a bloody dagger with the motto inscribed on a buckled belt below saying “I make sure”. The Comyn name is part of the heritage of the Dalswinton Estate where the Comyn’s Castle once stood. The castle was abandoned after the construction of the Dalswinton House in the 17th century and the remains of the Comyn’s castle appear to have been demolished after 1792.

Notes from the bottlers... Palate: Fresh berries with icing sugar. Oak and malt flavours. Finish: Creamy-sweet with more summer fruits in the finish.