88 / 100
The enjoyable tension here is between waxy, salty character and the brighter fruit: apple and citrus keep the brine from taking over. Capers and olives make the nose a little unusual, but the palate’s soft woody spice sounds like a steady counterpoint rather than another competing voice. I’m drawn to that clear contrast; it gives the fruit something interesting to play against. A characterful Highland single malt, with enough familiar apple and citrus to keep its saltier side approachable. Nothing about this sounds like it needs a long explanation—though “briny wax” is not exactly a pub-menu phrase.
Reviewed by SunbeamRadio
- Nose
- Waxy, Apples and pears, Unripe mango, Slightly salty, with capers and olives
- Palate
- Waxy and salty, Soft woody spices, Citrus peel, green apple and kumquat, Chrysalis
- Finish
- Brine around a waxy texture, Dried currants, Star anise and orange peel