89 / 100
The unpeated designation is useful context, but it doesn’t by itself settle the whisky’s perceived smoke intensity. The described character is much more clearly led by ripe fruit, caramel and oak, with roasted malt, dark chocolate and spice adding depth on the palate. I find that contrast more compelling than treating smoke as the headline. The long finish brings the oak and sweet spices back alongside citrus and honey, giving this 25-year-old sherry-cask single malt a coherent, layered shape.
Reviewed by bluehour_notebook
- Nose
- Sweet malt, ripe fruit, caramel and vanilla, Earthy oak and tropical fruit
- Palate
- Roasted malt, oranges and toasted nuts, Dark chocolate, dried fruit and warming spices
- Finish
- Floral notes, spicy oak and stewed fruit, Lingering honey and citrus