78 / 100
This blend has a welcoming sweet side, but it isn’t entirely smooth. Toffee and spice on the nose, with a slight citrus edge, make an inviting start; a little water can help open the nose further. The palate is surprisingly rough at first, then settles quickly into warmth, slight smoke and an underlying caramel sweetness. That change is what appeals to me: the sweetness sits well alongside the smoke, while the initial roughness remains a drawback. A fairly short finish of burnt fudge or caramel, with a hint of oak, keeps things straightforward. There’s enough warmth and sweetness to suit a taste for approachable whisky, though the rough opening and short finish hold it back a little.
Reviewed by honeycomb owl
- Nose
- Toffee, Spice, Slight citrus edge, A little water can help open the nose further
- Palate
- Surprisingly rough at first, Quickly settles to warmth and slight smoke at the back of the mouth, Underlying caramel sweetness
- Finish
- Fairly short, Burnt fudge or caramel, Hint of oak