Kingsbarns distillery is currently in the planning stages as I write this in January 2011.

The distillery is the brainchild of Doug Clement who has brought together a team comprising; himself, Bill Lark, Greg Ramsey, Andy Davey, David Cochrane, Graeme Cochrane and Ian McKie to forward this project.

The planned location is East Newhall Farm which stands on the Cambo Estate near to the village of Kingsbarns, a short distance from the legendary St. Andrews golf course.

(Official Distillery Website)

Good News: In January 2013 the independent bottler Wemyss has taken over this project and at the same time a Government grant has been awarded to allow this project to move further forward.

More good news: The distillery filled its first cask(s) in 2015

Kingsbarns, Balcomie, 46% abv

First fill Oloroso sherry casks

Original cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Sample kindly supplied by Hans of Whisky Cult

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Pale yellow gold

Nose: An initial maltiness turns quickly to a vivid herbal freshness. It's almost minty but not quite. Very herbal and fresh.

Palate: Very smooth mouth-feel and malty, very malty in fact I'm reminded of those malted milk biscuits in the UK. It's also warming with a richness or solid-ness making me think of meaty-ness.

FInish: Long and solid.

Overall impression: Surprisingly good for a quite young whisky. There is no age declaration but at the most it can only be around 5 years old but tastes to me like it should be a bit older, perhaps 7-8y. I'd happily buy a bottle.