Murray McDavid Juniper Hill 9 Year Old

Murray McDavid Juniper Hill 9 Year Old is a 2015-vintage Highland single malt released in spring 2025 as part of the bottler's playful Mystery Malt collection. It was initially matured in bourbon hogsheads before finishing in first-fill Moscatel de Setúbal casks, combining classic bourbon-cask malt character with the rich fruit and sweetness of Portugal's famous fortified wine.
Murray McDavid deliberately keeps the originating distillery unnamed. Its clues describe an "antique" Highland distillery near the River Findhorn, whose whisky helped introduce Scotch to drinkers around the world. The name Juniper Hill itself is another deliberate hint, referencing the juniper bush.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Oily fruit and glazed cherries lead, backed by a substantial creamy malt character. The combination feels rich and fruit-forward without becoming excessively sweet.

Palate: Orchard fruits develop alongside cocoa and liquorice, bringing a darker edge to the sweeter wine-cask influence. At 52.1%, there's enough strength to give the fruit and malt plenty of weight.

Finish: Sweet and warming, with baking spice and ripe plum lingering after the richer fruit begins to fade.