This blended Scotch is not what it once was after the radical 'rebranding' to please market demands and make it 'easily accessible'. The aroma of Black Bottle is restrained with wood sap, bitter grain and some floral notes. Peat smoke? Nope. Tastewise, youthful harshness and sweet malt combine with honey, ginger and faint peatiness. Dominated by cheap grain whisky, the finish is bitter, short and altogether featureless. Having lost the characterful impact of Islay malts, this blend only remains a shadow of its former glory. It's drinkable - no more, no less. RATING: 2.4/5.0 stars ≙ 70 pts → SUBPAR [-]