ABV 48.9%
I like the front footedness of the smoke in this whisky, and water does open it, but it isn’t for the fainthearted.
Joel Harrison
Compass Box
Brand
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Expression
Blended Malt
Type
No age statement
Age (Years)
2016
Year of Bottling
48.9%
ABV
Scotland
Region/Country
Independent Bottling
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: A summer beach barbecue, with pulled pork, drying sand and a slightly odd ale note. The smoke is right at the front, with some nice leather \nnotes underneath.\n
Palate: Huge smoke. Really big. With water some lighter notes of vanilla and white flowers appear, but always shrouded by smoke. It’s nice but a little too much at times.\n
Finish: A monster of more smoke.\n
Comment: I like the front footedness of the smoke in this whisky, and water does open it, but it isn’t for the fainthearted.
Score: 8
Taster
Nose: Pungent, burnt wood, iodine, salt and peat with an underlying depth of malt and fragrant barley. It takes some time to settle down and allow some oak notes to appear.
Palate: The peat is subtler and wistful, which allows the barley, oak and subtle stony notes to come through. The peat becomes sweeter, with Parma Violets and salt on the middle.\n
Finish: Long, violet with hints of burnt driftwood, tarry-peat, iodine and salt. Coastal aftertaste.\n
Comment: As a whisky it’s very enjoyable; however as a blend I feel the peated component is too dominant.
Score: 8.1
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