High West Campfire

Tasted neat in a Glencairne. The whiskey was allowed to sit for 10 minutes before review. This pours a polished walnut color, clear and rich. When swirled, viscous sheeting collapses into slowly diminishing legs. There seems to be an oiliness to this. Smoke is evident on the nose immediately. There's a bit of the Band-Aid odor that I recognize typically from Laphroig. It is definitely an Islay thing. This is followed by vanilla and barrel notes and some soft ginger and baking spices. On the palate this whiskey features prominent iodine and saline notes, followed by wood, barrel char, vanilla and sweet cream. It is clearly a bourbon and peated scotch blend, and that is what makes it interesting. There's a lot going on in this glass. For some, it may be too much. This is a polarizing whiskey. You will either love it or hate it on first taste. I find it to be fascinating. It is a juxtaposition of two discreet styles that I never expected to meet in such a lovely and harmonious way.