88 / 100
The heavy peat and burning-coal notes make for a forceful contrast with the sweeter barley, toffee and salted caramel. The finish is the draw here: it is described as long and smoky, with bitter peat and spice joined by a slightly briny edge. That persistence sounds compelling, though the bitterness and intensity may leave little room for a gentler style. A substantial Islay character, with sweetness threaded through rather than taking over.
Reviewed by shortwave lantern
- Nose
- Heavy peated smoke, Grapefruit, Juniper, Sugary barley, Lemon curd
- Palate
- Heavy oak, Burning coal, Toffee, Salted caramel, Pepper, Coastal minerality
- Finish
- Oily with bitter peat and spices, Dry, grassy, malty notes, Long, smoky, slightly briny, Oak spice, Citrus oil