Samaroli Islay Blend

Came into this expecting more to be honest. I have a 2016 blend bottle. Once you get past the peat and salt, the nose is ethanol, honeysuckle, and a hint of butter. The good: I feel there’s Laphroaig in here which is nice as it adds the medicinal and iodine notes from nose to palate. Saltiness comes through on the tongue. Not hot or spicy, but wouldn’t expect it to be at 86 abv. All in all, the peat and medicinal notes are here, but smokiness is less so than other islays. Mouthfeel is more watery than I’d prefer. It’s a peaty, islay whiskey so it’s not gonna get a bad rating from me :) The not so good: I also think there is Caol Ila in here, which at this point in my journey, is not my favorite. Picked it up on the finish where you’re left with more floral notes instead of the sunset beach campfire I’m used to with islays. Of course, I’m guessing and could certainly be wrong but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was Caol Ila too. Ethanol comes through at the beginning which wasn’t a plus. Not sure I’d buy a whole bottle again, but I’m gonna enjoy reaching for this while I have it.

some fresh pepper and coffee grounds on the nose, dry and earthy peat with leather

Interesting sweetness and body