Tastes

This is batch 007. Bottled Jan. 2015. Lots of smoky, briny, oaky, and even meaty aromas. That seaside campfire evoked by Laphroaig 10 is all there. This is like someone took a log off that fire and hit me in the face with it. I'm not complaining, mind you. There are a lot of good vanilla and coffee flavors underneath it all too.

The aromas start out strong: peaty, camphor, even a little plastic/ new band-aid smell (not unpleasant). First taste impressions are of peat, smoke, oak, and seaweed with a and gentle brine. As the initial bite fades, it gives way to orange peel, vanilla, cocoa. Also nice oakiness. Finished very well. Left a beef jerky flavor as well. I really like this one. Reminded me of Laphroaig 10-year but smoother, slightly more refined. An excellent, complex Scotch.

"It's like a sea-side campfire for your mouth." These were the words used to describe this Islay single-malt to me a decade ago when I first tried it. I wasn't ready for it then but have since come back to it and wholeheartedly agree. While there's certainly a lot of good peat and brine, there's plenty else going on here. The nose definitely has some caramel or even cocoa aromas. A hint of Apple as well. Flavors of the same also with a little bit of bacon. Maybe not for first-time Scotch drinkers but don't wait too long before sampling some or you'll be missing out.

Smoky but not medicinal. Caramel aromas. A good, easily drinkable Scotch.

Aromas of apples, vanilla, and spice. Tastes of the same. Rather smooth, warming finish.

Camphor aroma makes it hard to distinguish much else in the nose. Good peaty, campfire flavor. Took a few sips to pick out the salt and seaweed flavors. Nice light color.

Lovely aromas that recall honey, butterscotch, or toffee. Smooth and drinkable. Very little bite.

Butterscotch aroma with a hint of orange. Smooth velvety mouthfeel. Hints of caramel and chocolate but not heavy. Hint of mint on the back end.

Hints of peat with a smooth finish