87 / 100
The named bourbon and Marsala casks give a useful point of interest, but I wouldn’t assign particular flavours to either without more detail. What comes through in the notes is a lively contrast: rich, sweet smoke alongside brine and sour fruit, with cinnamon and caramel adding warmth. That balance sounds more compelling to me than a simple peat-led profile, though the heavy smoke clearly remains at the centre. A strong, characterful showing on the evidence here.
Reviewed by sunbeam_pebble
- Nose
- Smoky, peaty and salty, Pear, crème de mûre and cream soda, Vanilla, nuts and wood smoke
- Palate
- Rich sweet smoke with cinnamon and caramel, Sour fruits, sultanas and red fruit jam, Brine, leather and fudge
- Finish
- Medium to long, smoky and sweet, Warm ashes, brine and pepper, Lingering creaminess