I think it got different, but quality’s similarly high. Forgot to mention lapsang souchong, this is very ‘lapsang-souchong-y’. No, we’re afraid of nothing.
It’s something you have to be reminded exists and that’s… a bit sad. But that also might be why it’s remained fairly affordable while carrying a 17-year statement.
The whisky is mildly oily, with more herbs and actually a calamine lotion quality to it, though as odd as that sounds, it is not off-putting. Peat heads will be pleased.
The interplay between fruits and grassy smoke continues on the palate alongside toffee, nougat, peach syrup, and salty licorice before the smoke returns. A belter. And a great price.
The body is unique, starting with that smoky peat before quickly building distinct cantaloupe notes, something that’s quite rare for malt whisky. Spiced nuts and a melange of raisins, cloves, and Madeira wine notes bring up the rear.
I wanted to like this but I just was not impressed. It was thinner than I expected, especially for the proof and it was all astringency, heat and pepper. Normally this would be good with some more complex variety but it felt very one dimensional.
I wanted to like this but I just was not impressed. It was thinner than I expected, especially for the proof and it was all astringency, heat and pepper. Normally this would be good with some more complex variety but it felt very one dimensional. I'm giving this a Rank 5 - it was just fine which was disappointing. I think it might just not be my cup of tea.
Score:
80
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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