86 / 100
The contrast between thick toffee on the palate and a soft note in the finish gives this whisky some shape without smoothing away its sharper side. Vanilla and toffee lead the nose, where the smoke is subtle. On the palate, salted caramel sits beside orange zest and fiery heat from mixed peppers; ashy smoke adds another turn without replacing the sweeter notes. The finish is described as long lasting, with hard toffee, lingering dry smoke and brine. That move from sweetness into salt and smoke is what appeals to me here. The pepper heat may be less inviting for someone seeking a gentle whisky, but the texture and contrast make for a character worth considering.
Reviewed by teacup.tram
- Nose
- vanilla, toffee, subtle smoke
- Palate
- thick toffee, salted caramel, orange zest, fiery heat from mixed peppers, ashy smoke
- Finish
- hard toffee, lingering dry smoke, brine, soft