Ailsa Bay Single Malt Whisky

Seems like everyone likes this whisky much better than I do... The flavor profile reminds me of what a blend between the Kilchoman Machir Bay and the Aberfeldy 16 would look like: freshly cut grass with a generous dose of peat. It isn't terrible. Really not. I just can't see myself ever buying a bottle.

Posting this review from a bottle I had late last year. I actually bought two bottles of this last year...one for me, and one as a gift to my finance person that manages my stock portfolio. It turns out I never gave it to her...because I couldn't understand why I made a loss when the entire freakin' market went full throttle bull. But, that's a rant for another day...and I'll need more than a few drams for that discussion... Anyway...I really enjoyed this one. I remember liking how it was able to balance peat, crisp lowland sweetness and character, and wood...all the while being only three years old. This is their inaugural release, and they did a bang up job, IMHO. I remember liking the aroma of citrus and ginger, and the fresh crisp citrus taste with a good kick of peat smoke. It's young...but, really well made. I'm already keeping an eye out for their future release...this, along with Kilchoman, are my favorite newbies (although, in all fairness, Kilchoman is no longer a newbie). This isn't available in the US (yet)----I don't believe it was made in sufficient quantity for overseas. But, I'd be surprised if their future releases don't have the world's largest drinks market in sight.

In the glass, the pale straw color liquid noses initially sweet with fresh ginger and wafts of ash. Over time, the ashy character fades reveals a rubber or new vinyl characteristic, like that new, cheap sneaker smell. The palate is dry and slightly slick. Mineral overtone with flashes of vanilla sweetness countered with a synthetic, petroleum undertone. A youngness is revealed with a bit of a bite. What remains on the palate is oak and black pepper leaving the mouth with a minty sensation with a touch of lemon bitterness and a tinge of charcoal. A small amount of water minimizes the bite and spice and brings forward the sweeter side. However, adding water diminishes the character of the whisky. In my opinion, this is a better dram without any water or, if neeeded, a tiny drop or two. This is a whisky that feels slightly young; like a teenager and is still forming a character. It lacks a "natural" feel. Almost engineered. But that strangely gives the whisky a unique character. Thanks again, Pranay! [Dry Glass: Ash and vanilla][86/100][Tasted: 12/9/16]

Nose: smoldering wet pine, sweet malt, nutty, slightly burnt crispy edges of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, drawn butter, freshly turned soil. Palate: gentle and reassuring. Soft honey, savory bacon bits, touch of lemon. Finish: rich oak spices, slowly bittering, hint of floral white watermelon flesh (near the skin) at the very end... Delicious, balanced and surprisingly approachable for it's peat level. Immeasurable gratitude to our prodigious Pranay for the sample! Dry glass: walnuts by the hearth.

On the new side, but an almost intoxicating aroma from the bottle. Peated, but not heavy. Notes of peat, salt, smoke and sea. Light, worth a look.