These bottles have been spying me from the shelves at the store for so long, but I’ve never bothered to snag one. That changed today when I realized I have so many Islays and nothing from Campbeltown. The nose is complex, rich and sweet, with banana and vanilla cream jumping out initially. After a few mins the barley dominates with honey and floral grassy notes as it’s backup. All of it is wrapped in a light ashy envelope, so much different from the meaty noses I’m used to. Palate starts like the nose, with a sharp introduction of sweetness led by Concord grapes and honey, then crashing into a cacophony of ash and smoke and malt. The sweetness never leaves tho, which allows the heavy umami flavors to be lifted higher then they could be on their own. Finish is about medium in length with some nice peppery spice and just a hint of salty brine which helps balance all the sweetness from the sip. Where has this whisky been all my life? Oh yes, staring at me on the shelf. This 10 year is affordable, super delicious, and a distillery that I’ll be paying attention to in the future.