There’s a lot going on here, but the relationship between fruit and smoke is what catches my attention. Apples and vanilla appear alongside wood smoke on the nose, while the palate moves towards fruity hard candy and earthy peat. That gives the sweeter notes something substantial to play against without making this sound like a purely sweet whisky. The creamy texture also appeals to me, especially with the richer chocolate pudding and Christmas cake notes in the mix. The finish seems less soft-edged: spice, oak and sea salt sit alongside big smokiness, with a slightly bitter, drying turn. That last detail may divide opinion, but I like the contrast it brings. Overall, it sounds well suited to someone who enjoys fruit and vanilla with a distinctly smoky side.
Reviewed by busstop.postcard
- Nose
- Wood smoke, Vanilla, Hints of apples, Sweet grape must
- Palate
- Fruity hard candy, Vanilla, Earthy peat, Creamy texture
- Finish
- Lingering spices and sweetness, Oak and sea salt, Slightly bitter, drying character