88 / 100
The smoke plays a supporting role at first: the nose pairs light smoke and sea salt with grapefruit and brown sugar. On the palate, wood burner smoke and a peaty, briny character are more direct, while pineapple and chocolate give that smoky edge something different to work against. That contrast suits my preference for smoke with a bit of shape, rather than smoke doing all the talking. The long finish brings red chilli spices, bitter almond and lingering brine. For anyone after a gentler close, the peppery, spicy turn may be the sticking point. Still, the move from bright fruit to savoury smoke is appealing, and the finish gives the whisky a firm final say without making a dramatic entrance.
Reviewed by CrumpledRadio
- Nose
- Grapefruit, Sea salt, Brown sugar, Light smoke
- Palate
- Pineapple, Chocolate, Wood burner smoke, Peaty and briny
- Finish
- Red chilli spices, Bitter almond, Lingering oily, viscous and briny character