Tastes

Starts with heavy notes of leather that leads into strong peat and some smokiness. Spend a little more time enjoying the aromas and it begins to show you that briny sea salt, almost as if you're at the shore. Then it gets a little sweet. The first hit to the tongue is surprisingly mild and the sweetness can be almost honey-like, but it takes no time at all for the strong peat to come roaring in. After that, the brine is back with some brightness - maybe lemon. A peppery kick to finish will leave your tongue tingling.

Batch 4/505. Friend brought home from Scotland. Starts with a hint of sweetness, then raisin, moderate peat and smoke, a hint of tobacco, then finishes with a light mustiness imparted by the sherry casks. Very smooth. Haven't had the regular 16yr to compare with, but this is a treat.

A fun one that's a bit like coloring outside the lines. The nose is a mix of buttery, smooth oak, light brown sugar, dark cherries and other red fruits. On the tongue, it starts smooth with a little juiciness and a not-quite-smoke depth to it, then plateaus and leaves a hint of the Bordeaux-style wine on the finish. Drinkable neat.

Batch 003 seems to vary a little; mine is bottle 679, 52.65% ABV. At 105.3 proof, benefits from drinking with an ice cube to let it open up. Nose has hints of cherry, vanilla and fresh whipped cream. Palate has light peach sweetness before the alcohol kicks in; texture is thick and buttery. Finish has a little baking spices and shows some of the port/sherry barrel finishing it underwent.