85 / 100
The ripe red berry fruit and softer fruity note give this a welcome point of contrast against the smoke, brine and lively pepper. On the palate, sweetness meets nutty smokiness, while chilli and black pepper keep the character assertive. The medium-length finish turns drier, with fruity sweetness still present alongside peat, oak and lingering salt. I’m drawn to the fruit, though here it shares the stage rather than leading; the strong pepper and smoky notes make this a more forceful expression than a fruit-first choice.
Reviewed by tidepool compass
- Nose
- Ripe red berry fruit, sweet maltiness, smoke, brine and pepper., Delicate peat, sea salt, honey and a soft fruity note.
- Palate
- Sweetness with nutty smokiness, peat, oak and honey., Chilli bite, black pepper and salted butter.
- Finish
- Medium-length and dry, with light peaty burnt embers, red chilli, oak dryness and fruity sweetness., Smoke, pepper and salt linger.