Slainte-Mhath
Ailsa Bay Single Malt Whisky
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed
June 22, 2019 (edited September 11, 2019)
Peat is certainly not the first thing which comes to your mind when thinking of Lowland whiskies. As a relatively new distillery built for the production of blends, Ailsa Bay surprised with this release. Notes of wet hay, floral peat smoke and burned moss form the nose. Water brings out citrus, sweet BBQ and hints of fennel. The taste falls a bit flat: aromatic peatiness, grapefruits and heather honey struggle with the youthfulness of the spirit. Bitter lemon, salted licorice and mineral peat remain in the long finish. A promising start despite the lack of maturity.
RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE
75.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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@Slainte-Mhath yeah, thanks. We’re doing the Ring Road over 2 weeks, stopping a few nights in Ayukuri, Vik, and in Snaefelgess peninsula. Likewise—enjoy Japan
@PBMichiganWolverine Have a great time in Iceland, it's a wonderful country! Don't forget to stop at the Blue Lagoon to enjoy the hot springs.
@Slainte-Mhath great—-seems like a worth while stop while doing the Ring Road
@PBMichiganWolverine Yes, I have visited Eimverk distillery and I'd definitely recommend it. Great people working there, and they have a nice selection of malts and gins. Their whisky is still young, but it has a lot of terroir, featuring a very flinty and mineral character. You can find my distillery review and photos here: https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/distillery/85282/shop-tour
@Slainte-Mhath I’m going to Iceland in a few weeks—-was thinking of stopping by to visit Floki distillery. Have you been? If so, is it worth it?
@PBMichiganWolverine Thanks! I hope to find some real gems, but even in Japan it has become hard to find 'the good stuff'. I am hoping for a Hakushu 18, a nice Chichibu and some White Oak single casks.
@Slainte-Mhath looking forward to the reviews of what you come across in those distilleries. Enjoy!
Last review before the summer break and my upcoming distillery tour to Japan. In July, I will be visiting Chichibu, Miyagikyo, Yamazaki, Eigashima Shuzo (White Oak), Fuji-Gotemba and Hakushu. I am looking forward to many Japanese whisky reviews once I returned, and wish you all a great summer holiday. Slàinte!