Ailsa Bay is also the only Scotch whisky to undergo a process called ‘micro maturation. The distillerys new make spirit is first filled into Hudson baby bourbon casks, between 25-100 litres in size, for six to nine months. The relatively small casks – traditional American oak barrels can contain up to 200 litres of spirit – enables intense rapid maturation. The liquid is then transferred into virgin, first-fill and refill American oak casks for several years. The process is the first of its kind within the Scotch whisky industry. Beautifully balanced peat with a rich vanilla oakiness, this second batch has maintained the same intriguing flavour meandering between smoke, fruit and creamy toffee. The extra maturation period has developed deeper toasty oak notes with every sip. 48.9% ABV