Mark Megahan
What could be better for your next Halloween party than dusting the cobwebs off a rare bottle of Castle’s Curse Whisky. The field researchers at DIAGEO’s Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. make it their business to prowl around the dark and dusty corners of the world’s most established distillers. Once in a while, they wipe the grime away from a barely legible label on a cask to glimpse a unicorn. Or, in this case, water-horse.
Sipping a Scottish curse
The news only broke fresh at the end of September, 2023, so limited supplies are still available. Even so, bottles will be flying off the shelves like bats, as discerning hosts scramble to grab a fifth of Castle’s Curse in time for their own spooky goings on at the end of October.
Along with an attention grabbing label on a stylish decanter, your guests will enjoy an “exceptional” 14-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky crafted by “the renowned Teaninich Distillery.” Experts note “this drink brings a delightful combination of tradition, history, and some Scottish folklore to your glass.”
When Orphan Barrel Whiskey Co. stumbles on one of these delightful “overlooked or forgotten finds” in “dimly lit corners of distilleries and rickhouses worldwide,” they present them to the world “in its unadulterated glory, albeit in limited quantities.”
You can lasso one of these Castle’s Curse unicorns for your own top shelf if you move fast by browsing over to “platforms like ReserveBar.com and Drizly.”
The thing which makes Castle’s Curse stand out from other vintage 14-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whiskys is the way this one was “patiently matured in European oak, resulting in a harmonious blend of age and flavor.” One reviewer glows about the experience.
“Imagine inhaling the delightful scents of tangerine, poached pear, and a hint of sweet confectionery mingled with dried herbs. As you take a sip, the palate is greeted by the soft whispers of vanilla, the crispness of red apple, and a subtle hint of mint.”
The Water-Horse tale
Castle’s Curse tale of a Water-Horse doesn’t involve some tame and gentle seahorse. The Kelpie is a wild stallion of the depths. The name fits the whisky because water unleashes it’s full potential.
“It’s worth noting that while this whisky can be savored neat or on the rocks, adding just a few drops of water amplifies its aromatic experience. This serves as a true nod to the Scottish Kelpie, the mythical creature that inspired this drink.”
Teaninich Distillery traces it’s Scottish roots all the way back to 1817 and “stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich history in whisky distillation and technological innovation.” The distillery is nestled in the Northern Highlands, overlooking “the picturesque Cromarty Firth, a land famed for its aquatic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.”
The “Castle’s Curse” name is equally rooted in local folklore. Scottish legend is rich in stories of the Kelpie, “a supernatural being with the ability to change its form, often appearing as a water-horse. These creatures are believed to roam the waters nearby, representing the integral role water plays in crafting a fine whisky.”
That’s exactly why the “emblem on the Castle’s Curse bottle, depicting this legendary Kelpie, not only emphasizes the importance of water in whisky-making but also pays homage to Scotland’s tradition of harnessing its land for barley cultivation.”
The experts can’t stress enough that “whiskies like these are fleeting in nature. Every bottle from Orphan Barrel is a product of meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that the rare whiskies get the reverence they deserve. But once they vanish from the shelves, they are gone forever, leaving behind only the memory of their exquisite taste.“
