In early 2021, Black Bottle kicked off its Alchemy Series with two tasty whiskies, including this blended Scotch whisky titled Island Smoke (as well as the Double Cask expression)! As you might be able to infer from the name, this is a rather smoky dram – definitely one for the peat fans out there! It offers up whiffs of coastal air, scorched oak, seaweed and more, alongside familiar vanilla-rich sweetness and flashes of spice.
Toasted cedar, earthy peat, subtle toffee and cinnamon hints.
Oatcakes, seaweed, salted caramel, cardamom, red chilli flake.
Lingering salty sea breeze.
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Was: £29.50Now: £26.00
Like the original blend super value
always been a black bottle fan although like a lot of people haven't had that much in recent times as it definitely lost its mojo. This is a real return to form. The colour is sort of expected at this price - still disappointing - but its all uphill from there. An interesting (Talisker matching !!) 46.3% and the nose is superb. The quality is clearly there lovely earthy peat with a tangy citrusy (cedar ?) twang to it. nice spicy mouthfeel, deep rich and very well balanced palate with some sweet edges matched with savoury notes and then a lovely lingering salty finish. what a bargain, highly recommended for the price
Smokey whisky isn't normally my thing, but the sweetness in this blend makes for a really interesting combination and softens those peaty notes. Black pepper, touch of medicinal notes, but then with a lovely cereal / vanilla taste coming through. At the price point, it's a seriously good dram!
Reasonable value for money, nice island influence but far too sweet, specially considering the 46%ABV and the grain in it. Perhaps if they left it at natural colour, like the double cask version... I think the Cutty Sark Prohibition is way better value than this.
Ralfy did a review a long while ago saying how good standard BB was; a strong Islay influence. In a more recent review he said the magic was lost; recipe had changed. I can’t help wonder if maybe this bottle might be a reaction to that narrative. In any event for £26 this is really good value. It’s got the grain undercurrent you’d expect from a blend but on top of that is a strong Islay flavour profile. I’m not disappointed.
