Douglas Laing have built a reputation as one of Scotland's most dependable independent bottlers, and The Epicurean represents their love letter to the Lowlands — a region that rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. This is a blended malt composed entirely of Lowland single malts, bottled without an age statement at a very respectable 46.2% ABV, natural colour, and without chill filtration. At £37.25, it sits in that increasingly competitive sub-£40 bracket where a whisky needs to justify every penny. I'm pleased to say The Epicurean makes a convincing case for itself.
The Lowlands have long been the quiet corner of Scotch whisky. While Islay shouts and Speyside charms, the Lowland style whispers — lighter, more delicate, often grassy and floral in character. Douglas Laing have leaned into that identity here rather than trying to muscle it into something it isn't. The Epicurean is unapologetically Lowland, and that restraint is its greatest strength. It's a whisky that doesn't need peat or sherry bombs to hold your attention.
The decision to bottle at 46.2% without chill filtration is worth noting. Too many blended malts at this price point are watered down to 40% and filtered into submission. Douglas Laing have given this enough strength to carry its flavours properly, and the lack of chill filtration means what's in the glass is honest. You're tasting the whisky as the blenders intended, not a sanitised version of it. For a NAS release at this price, that speaks to integrity.
Tasting Notes
Without confirmed tasting notes from the bottler at the time of writing, I'll speak to the Lowland profile this whisky is built around. Expect a lighter, more approachable dram — the kind of whisky that rewards patience rather than demanding it. Lowland malts typically bring cereal sweetness, citrus, fresh-cut grass, and gentle floral notes. At 46.2%, The Epicurean should deliver these with more texture and body than you'd find in a standard-strength bottling. I'd encourage anyone picking this up to spend time with it before reaching conclusions — Lowland whisky often unfolds slowly.
The Verdict
The Epicurean earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 from me. It does exactly what it sets out to do: showcase Lowland malt whisky with honesty and care, at a price that doesn't require much deliberation. It won't convert the peat-heads or those who need their whisky to knock them sideways, and it isn't trying to. What it offers is a well-constructed, accessible blended malt that represents genuine value. Douglas Laing's commitment to natural strength and no chill filtration at this price point deserves recognition. In a market flooded with overpriced NAS releases that offer less, The Epicurean is a quiet reminder that good whisky doesn't need to be loud.
Best Served
Pour it neat and give it five minutes in the glass — Lowland malts open up beautifully with a little air. If you find the 46.2% carries a touch too much heat on the first sip, a small splash of water will soften it without flattening the character. This also makes an exceptional Highball: good measure over ice, topped with quality soda water. The lighter Lowland profile suits long drinks better than most Scotch, and it's a fine way to introduce someone to the style without overwhelming them.
