Independent bottler Murray McDavid celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. To mark the occasion, the brand has launched the Coastal Embrace Collection, a deries of 28-year-old blended malt Scotch whiskies. 

The five "chapters" within the collection use spirit from coastal distilleries in Scotland, including Highland Park, Laphroaig, and Bunnahabhain, blended with single malts from Speyside. The blended whisky has then been finished in five different casks. 

The five chapters which make up the Coastal Embrace Collection are as follows, with tasting notes supplied by Murray McDavid:

• Chapter I: Cognac (55.1% ABV) — finished in a French oak Cognac cask for five years, with notes of spice, salted caramel, and apple.
• Chapter II: Rum (53.4% ABV) — finished in a Diamond rum cask for five and a half years, with notes of lemon drizzle, sweet grass, and soft smoke.
• Chapter III: Oloroso Sherry (54.2% ABV) — finished in an oloroso sherry casks for five and a half years, with notes of creamy malt, fruity caramel, orange oils, and salted butter.
• Chapter IV: PX Sherry (52.3% ABV) — finished in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask for six years, with notes of caramel, baked fruit, smoky toffee, and toasted malt.
• Chapter V: Red Wine (52.2% ABV) — finished in a Château Lafite cask for six years, with notes of plum jam, baking spice, toasted almond, and dark fruits.

Dean Jode, head of whisky creation, commented: “It’s exciting times for the Murray McDavid Team. Each chapter of the Coastal Embrace Collection reflects a unique path of maturation, each telling their own compelling story. This collection serves as a testament to our 30-year journey, as we continue to courageously explore the Art of Maturation. We’re also about to embark on our fourth decade with the challenge of reviving the iconic Dallas Dhu Distillery, further cementing our legacy in the Scotch whisky industry.”

Murray McDavid parent company Aceo announced its intention to reopen Dallas Dhu Distillery earlier in 2024. Dallas Dhu closed its doors in 1983; its revival will see production restart and a new visitor experience open at the Speyside distillery.

The Coastal Embrace Collection is a limited-edition release, available via specialist drinks retailers from the end of November.