When Ralfy’s review of this whisky popped up I watched it, and it was the first one I watched in ages. I immediately ordered a bottle (although I should check with the shop, since it’s not in yet). Of course, had I checked my sample cupboard I could have found a wee drop of it in there, courtesy of Kenny and Viktorija of Dràm Mòr.

Yeah, that’s me being an idiot again. It’s nothing new, but I still get annoyed by myself when this happens again.

Anyway, the sample has been tried and tested. Let’s review this whisky from Loch Lomond’s peatier style.

Sniff:
It starts with quite a wood forward scent, before turning leathery, with a hint of matches. A different approach to PX cask usage, for sure! Some macerated blackberries and a hint of almonds. A light peat smoke too.

Sip:
The palate is quite fierce and leads with peat smoke, wood smoke and some chili pepper. It’s slightly syrupy, with the same macerated blackberries, a hint of date and almond. It gets dryer after a little while and shows more of the oak and the sixteen years of being in it.

Swallow:
The palate continues on the dry path, with the chili hint turning more to dried chilis, chipotle like, with that dusty brittle thing. A hint of raisin and date, and a lighter fruitiness too. Oak, almonds, and some lingering peat.

Not overly smoky, but there’s a great balance between it and the cask and spirit. Also, I love that the PX cask that’s used has been used with restraint, and the whisky isn’t too sweet because of it.

89/100

It should be still available here and there for a well-worth-it 140 Euros.