Review #069 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 50% Comments: NAS, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the distillery’s first peated single malt release since reopening, peated to 20 PPM Tasted after: Glenglassaugh Evolution Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 14/20 Mild peat smoke, vanilla, caramel, bacon, a little lemon zest, and a hint of salty sea breeze. Palate: 32/40 Nice oily mouthfeel. For flavors, there’s a little smoke, crisp and mildly sour green apples, dark chocolate, vanilla, and a bit of lemon citrus. Finish: 30/40 Medium-short finish. Starts with an interesting charred and burnt flavor, then becomes a bit sweeter with notes of licorice and baked apples, ending on a dry and slightly spicy note with oak tannins and a little salt. With Water: A few drops of water emphasizes the vanilla scent on the nose and the sour flavors on the palate. Total: 76/100 Final thoughts: I purchased this bottle and the Evolution at the same time, and was expecting to enjoy this expression more given the reviews I had seen and my fondness for a good peated whisky. Initially I believe I did, but then I forgot about these bottles on the back of my shelf for probably over a year, and they both changed during that time. This is a solid bottle and was a good value for the price, but if I could only go back and buy one of these, I’d pick the Evolution, time was a much better friend to it. Price: $50 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.