MacKinlay's Shackleton: The Journey 2nd Edition

The second recreation of the most legendary story in whisky history is called "The Journey", and even if the bottle looks exactly the same as the first recreation (called "the discovery") this is a very different, more modern blended malt. Just to remember the story, this is a recreation of a whisky that was found on Antartica after a hundred years, since Ernest Shackleton left it behind in 1907. Bottled at 47.3%abv, golden colour. On the nose, very complex and fruity. Heathery peat, oranges, chocolate. Yeast, cake, lemonade, and this agave/tequila aroma, very interesting. Cherries and sherry. After a sip, it developed into a maritime character, iodine and salt. Vanilla and oranges; it also has this "old library" aroma note. On the palate, it is rather peaty and full of flavor. Earthy, sulphuric, peaty, pepper and oranges. There is this oloroso sherry profile present; it is a lot fruitier than the first recreation. Aftertaste is very nice. A very elegant peat. Some spices: pepper and ginger; chocolate and tobacco. It is so well crafted and balanced that feels like a Compass Box Blend. Overall, this is a much more modern whisky than the first release. It doesn't feel old and dusty as the other one, and it appeals to "today's palates". It is still a great dram, 92 over 100 is my score for it.

More like a questionable night of hot wax dripping on your chest versus a comforting warm bath with your love. Floral and he wants me to finish it off... it’s gargle material

The nose is gentle and is strong of straw and beach sand, with honey and vanilla balancing it out. Those flavors open up richly on the palate and coat the mouth, making for a simple but delicious experience. The finish is long with pepper that keeps the mouth warm as vanilla and straw slowly fade.

Nose - Light to mild peat, creamy apples, light vanilla, buttery custard, very light nose Taste - Creamy mouthfeel, light peat, hint of white pepper tingle, creamy custard, bright green apples, light vanilla butter caramels Finish - Creamy, lightly dry, waxy, light heat, light fruity bitterness, wisp of smoke, refreshing green apple cisp sweetness that transitions to an apple custard sweet Score - 83/100 Final Thoughts - This is quite pleasant. It's a very light style Scotch blend that reminds me a bit of Highland Park 15. The peat is subtle and the main flavors are really green apple and a buttery/waxy vanilla custard. Reminds me of the mouthfeel of a nice waxy Clynelish but I don't think there's any of that in here. Regardless, this is nice, not something I'd really reach for since peat isn't my thing, but it's subtle enough and is nicely done. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe if it was $50-60 USD?

Slight Peaty and buttery on the nose, you can definitely smell the hint of sand. It's not too strong on the palette, but the vanilla, saltiness, spiciness and brininess stand out in combination remarkably well. On finish, the taste of spice and saltiness lingers a bit longer, with a good floral finish. All in all a top notch blended scotch.