About the product
Single Cask Nation “Take 2” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a limited-edition release crafted by the independent bottler Single Cask Nation, known for selecting and blending unique casks to create distinctive small-batch expressions. This blended malt brings together carefully chosen single malts from different distilleries, resulting in a balanced and complex profile.
On the palate, it offers notes of orchard fruit, honey, and vanilla, layered with hints of citrus, soft spice, and gentle oak. Subtle malt sweetness is complemented by light herbal and floral undertones, adding depth without overwhelming the overall harmony.
The texture is smooth and approachable, leading to a clean, well-rounded finish with lingering sweetness and a touch of spice.
Refined and versatile, “Take 2” showcases the art of blending at a craft level, making it an excellent choice for both everyday enjoyment and exploration of independently bottled Scotch whisky.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairings
Taste Notes
This whisky is designed to be "quaffable"—approachable yet deeply complex.
- Nose: Bright and vibrant. You'll find citrus zest and golden syrup (grain sweetness), followed by a "fruit cocktail" of canned peaches and white stone fruits. Sit with it longer to find a faint, earthy wisp of smoke.
- Palate: Silky and unctuous. It tastes like melted vanilla ice cream over baked apples and warm custard. There is a gentle spice layer of cinnamon-dusted oatmeal and a crack of black pepper.
- Finish: Satisfying and creamy. It leaves notes of milk chocolate, hazelnut toffee, and a very light hint of roasted coffee beans.
Food Pairings
The "vanilla and orchard fruit" dominance of this whisky makes it a perfect match for creamy and spiced foods.
- Savory: Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Sauce. The baked apple notes in the whisky are a natural extension of the sauce, while the pork fat softens the 48.8% ABV.
- Cheese: Aged White Cheddar or Brie. The citrus and stone fruit notes cut through the creaminess of the cheese beautifully.
- Sweet: Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. The caramelized sugar topping mimics the "toffee and custard" notes found on the palate.
- Snack: Salted Hazelnuts. These amplify the "hazelnut toffee" finish and the oily texture of the spirit.
About the brand
The Independent Bottler: Founded in 2011 by Joshua Hatton and Jason Johnstone-Yellin, Single Cask Nation (SCN) is one of the most respected independent bottlers in the US. They are known for their "unfiltered" approach—bottling whiskies as they are, often at cask strength, with no added color or chill-filtration.
The "Water of Life" Connection: This bottle was curated specifically to celebrate the renaissance of the Scotch whisky industry, as explored in the Water of Life film. The project highlights how modern distillers and blenders are pushing the boundaries of traditional flavor.
The "Undisclosed" Mystery: SCN often uses "Undisclosed" labels when they acquire exceptional barrels from famous distilleries that have strict rules about their name being used by third parties. Given the "Island" designation and the flavor profile, many enthusiasts speculate it sources from distilleries like Orkney (Highland Park) or Arran.
