Fresh malt and cranberry-orange bread give this a brighter direction than the soft, dry aromas might suggest. Citrus and red raspberry then sit alongside firm malt and oak, with white pepper and a suggestion of smoke adding contrast. That fruit-and-malt balance appeals to my preference for freshness, although the sweeter vanilla and sherry notes, along with a somewhat oily mouthfeel, keep it from seeming uniformly crisp. The finish is less easy to pin down: it is described both as short, with smoke and pipe tobacco ash, and as longer, with floral flavors, fresh heather and oak. I find the layered fruit, malt and restrained smoke more compelling than any single note here, even if the finish leaves a mixed impression.
Reviewed by daybreak kettle
- Nose
- fresh malt, cranberry-orange bread, soft spices, vanilla
- Palate
- malt and oak, citrus, red raspberry, suggestion of smoke
- Finish
- floral flavors and fresh heather, oak, smoke and pipe tobacco ash