ryenation
Reviewed
June 27, 2017 (edited October 18, 2017)
On the nose: First oak and playing somewhere in the background a very subtle peat. Like someone put an ever so small drop of Laphroaig in while you weren't looking. There is also vanilla, very sweet on the nose. Interestlingly, there is the smell of the Baltic, which means not much salt or brine, but a very faint smell of the sea. The nose is VERY sweet, I imagine this could be off-putting for some people.
The first sip is very disappointing. Like you expected the Atlantic, bold, vibrant, fresh sea air, waves crashing; but instead you got subdued and calm. It seems watery. The palate does not live up to the nose and that is annoying. It feels like someone took a creamy luscious Talisker 10 yr and added too much water.
On the next and later sips there is lovely wood, vanilla, peat and some leather. As you swallow a slight cardamom taste appears. Then comes a light smokey flavor. The finish is decently long and enjoyable, if not a bit drying.
Overall this is a good whisky to introduce someone to single malts. I give it a solid 3.4. I purchased a 350 ml bottle and I'm glad I didn't put out for a full-sized bottle, but not disappointed I bought the smaller size. I'll enjoy this but probably won't buy another.