Independent bottler Thompson Bros has launched the fifth installment of its blind-tasting single malt Scotch range, Mystery Malt Series 5. Comprising over 10,700 bottles, the new series is the brand’s largest to date and features whiskies aged from 5 to 27 years old from a diverse selection of distilleries.
The core concept of the series remains consistent with previous releases. Each bottle is presented identically, with the whisky inside remaining a secret until the capsule is broken to reveal the distillery and age information.
All whiskies in the series are bottled at 46.3% ABV, with natural color and without chill-filtration.
This fifth release includes both peated and unpeated single malts from established producers such as Clynelish, Glen Grant, Highland Park, Glen Garioch, and Ben Nevis.
It also features liquid from newer distilleries, including Ardnamurchan, Torabhaig, Harris, Kingsbarns, Wolfburn, and the bottler’s own Dornoch Distillery.
Thompson Bros, founded by brothers Phil and Simon Thompson, operates alongside the Dornoch Distillery in the Scottish Highlands. The independent bottler has gained an international following for its cask selections and innovative concepts.
Cask types used for maturation in Series 5 are varied, including refill hogsheads, first-fill Bourbon barrels, sherry and PX hogsheads, red wine barriques, and Port casks.
Every bottle in the series is sold at a single, uniform price, regardless of the age or origin of the liquid inside.
Simon Thompson commented on the launch: “Mystery Malt has always been about trust – trusting our palate and our cask selection rather than a label.”
He added: “Series 5 is the most exciting version of that idea we’ve released so far.”
The series is receiving a global release to meet growing international demand for the concept.
Confirmed export markets include China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Indonesia. It will also be available across numerous European markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Mystery Malt Series 5 is available now directly from the Thompson Bros website and through specialist retailers in the UK and appointed international distributors.
