Mystery Malt Series #3 - Thompson Bros.

Profile: The Mystery Malt Series #3 - Thompson Bros. at a glance

• Scottish puzzle: Each bottle conceals an unknown single malt Scotch whisky
• Strong selection: From young & wild to 33 years old - anything is possible
• Refined understatement: Black bottle design with a mystery factor
• Fair deal: High whisky quality at a surprisingly attractive price
• Collector's favorite: Limited series with a guaranteed surprise effect

Portrait: What makes the Mystery Malt Series #3 - Thompson Bros. special

There are Kinder Surprise eggs for children - and then there's the Mystery Malt Series #3 for adults who already have everything… except enough curiosity. With this series, Thompson Bros. have created a concept that is about as mysterious as a Scottish bagpiper in the fog: you know there's something big behind it – but you still have to let yourself be surprised. Each of the elegant black bottles contains a Scottish single malt. From Clynelish 21 Year Old to Bruichladdich 21 Year Old, Tobermory 24 Year Old, Glen Grant 26 Year Old, all the way to a 33 Year Old Islay Malt, theoretically anything is possible. And the best part? Whisky of this caliber has probably never been this affordable. So, if you do a double take at the price: Yes, you saw correctly – it's not a typo.

The concept is convincing on several levels: Distilleries can utilize their existing stocks without jeopardizing their own brands. Retailers present a product that generates about as much excitement as wondering whether the Scotsman under his kilt is really… well, let's not go there. And buyers get a surprise experience that has considerably more style than a blind date – and ideally, even significantly more maturity (up to 33 years, to be precise).

Series No. 3 comprises a total of 24 whiskies between four and 33 years old – and this mystery malt is part of this aromatic surprise package. Which distillery is behind it? You'll only find out when you open it. For those who want to puzzle it out beforehand: The series' website offers charmingly cryptic clues. What you will definitely get, however, is: A single malt whisky matured in Scottish oak casks, 48.5% ABV, full of character, uncolored, non-chill filtered – and with that certain "what if it's one of the greats?" thrill.

Conclusion: For those brave enough, this might be the most exciting whisky surprise of the year.