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This blend plays up to its name quite well with an enjoyable mix of peat smoke and spice from start to finish. The aromas are lead by a waft of (almost Mediterranean) baking spices and backed up by toasted nut and chili flake notes. The palate is immediately coating and brings a layered mix of caramelized sugar, dried apricot and lean peat smoke. The chili flake note returns for a nice accent at the end.

This lightly peated single malt from Askaig shows a charming elegance from start to finish. Although a bit shy at first pour, the nose opens up with sweet malt, sea salt, and brighter peat aromas. A richer-than-expected body delivers flavors of apple and white pepper that are anchored by a smoky, resin-y finish.

This new whiskey from Chattanooga is distinguished both by its high-malt mash bill and finishing in a large solera. Everything about it is well-balanced: It's light-bodied but pleasantly strong, with notes of vanilla and only moderate smoky char. A bit of brown sugar sweetness comes through on the palate and the finish is bright with a hint of cedar. Though it doesn't stray too far from a classic bourbon profile, Chattanooga has produced a whiskey that is unique, good, and affordable; that's a promising feat for a new distillery.

Everything about the Kilchoman Loch Gorm '19 expresses a keen richness - the deep copper color, the slowly descending legs, and the powerful aromas that escape from the glass right from the first pour. The peat here is more 'boggy' than smoky and the sherry casks add a dark backdrop of leather and very dry stone fruits. On the palate, it is a satisfyingly robust spirit with buttered biscuit flavors followed by crisp white pepper and slightly drier smoky notes.