jimmyjam312
Reviewed
October 23, 2024 (edited October 25, 2024)
Review #069
Type: single malt scotch
Proof: 50%
Comments: NAS, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the distillery’s first peated single malt release since reopening, peated to 20 PPM
Tasted after: Glenglassaugh Evolution
Appearance (no score):
Russet color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form.
Nose: 14/20
Mild peat smoke, vanilla, caramel, bacon, a little lemon zest, and a hint of salty sea breeze.
Palate: 32/40
Nice oily mouthfeel. For flavors, there’s a little smoke, crisp and mildly sour green apples, dark chocolate, vanilla, and a bit of lemon citrus.
Finish: 30/40
Medium-short finish. Starts with an interesting charred and burnt flavor, then becomes a bit sweeter with notes of licorice and baked apples, ending on a dry and slightly spicy note with oak tannins and a little salt.
With Water:
A few drops of water emphasizes the vanilla scent on the nose and the sour flavors on the palate.
Total: 76/100
Final thoughts:
I purchased this bottle and the Evolution at the same time, and was expecting to enjoy this expression more given the reviews I had seen and my fondness for a good peated whisky. Initially I believe I did, but then I forgot about these bottles on the back of my shelf for probably over a year, and they both changed during that time. This is a solid bottle and was a good value for the price, but if I could only go back and buy one of these, I’d pick the Evolution, time was a much better friend to it.
Price: $50
Would recommend: maybe
Would buy: maybe
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars.
90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars.
85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars.
80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars.
75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars.
70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars.
55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars.
Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.
50.0
USD
per
Bottle