84 / 100
The grassy barley on the palate gives this a grain-led centre, while the nose only sometimes brings out a malty note. That distinction matters to me. Honey, cocoa and espresso on the nose point toward richness, but the subtle peat on the palate keeps the sweeter side in balance. The finish continues that contrast with chocolate-mint, gentle peat smoke and toasted oak. I find the relationship between barley and peat more interesting here than the sweet notes on their own. My reservation is that the nose’s clearest malt cue is described as occasional, so I would not put malt at the centre of the whole character. Even so, the barley and gentle smoke make a combination that suits my tastes.
Reviewed by paperboat_atlas
- Nose
- Honey, cocoa, a hint of smokiness, sometimes malty notes
- Palate
- Grassy barley, subtle peat notes, mocha, sometimes grainy notes
- Finish
- chocolate-mint, gentle peat smoke, toasted oak