Langatun’s peaty expression - Old Bear – is offered in two versions – a ‘standard’ 40% ABV edition and a ‘Cask Proof’ version whose ABV varies depending on the batch. All are triple distilled on the distillery’s combination of three (500L, 250L and 100L) Holstein stills – with the Old Bear matured in Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine casks.
Langatun’s unpeated Old Deer Classic has received something of a makeover since the last time it crossed my path. As well as distinctive decanter style glassware the expression has had its ABV uplifted from 40% to 46% - whilst as far as I can tell, the price has remained largely the same for the retailers who are stocking it. Nice. You’ll still find the 40% edition on the shelves and will also, similarly to the distillery’s other bottlings note a higher ABV ‘Cask Proof’ version – though stocks of this in the UK don’t seem to have been updated to the new bottle design as yet.
Boutiquey’s Langatun 5 year old was, I believe, the first independent bottling of the Swiss single malt produced in Aarwangen. Operating since 2007 the distillery currently produces two main lines of malt whisky – Old Deer (matured in sherry and Chardonnay casks) and Old Bear (peated and then matured in Châteauneuf-du-Pape) – both are triple distilled. The Boutique-y bottling is adorned with an Indiana Jones style map showing an intercontinental route from the US over to Europe. It’s perhaps one of the most literal labels the company has produced to date.
Boutique-y Langatun bottles come festooned with an antique looking map showing the cross-continent / cross-country journey that the casks utilised have taken. Commencing in the US for some American white oak, moving across the Atlantic to Spain and then onward to Switzerland where the casks are filled with Langatun’s spirit. Finally, they reach the UK and Boutique-y's parental - Atom Brands.