Smoky Scot is (surprise, surprise!) a heavily peated single malt, produced at the Caol Ila distillery. It was matured in bourbon oak casks for five years before being bottled at 46% ABV by Aceo. Boasting a typical Islay flavour profile, this peaty treat doesn't disappoint.
Woody, distinctly salty and of course oodles of smoke.
Maritime notes of iodine, seaweed and tar, with smoke swirling on the palate. These notes fade into floral layers, alongside toasted seeds and malt.
Alongside smoky peat, a hint of menthol on the finish with a slight maltiness remaining.
I wasn't expecting a lot from something called smokey whatever, but the Caol Isla distillery name persuaded me to try it. I was amazed at just how good it was, smokey it's called and smokey it is, and for the price tag, well worth the money.
The initial smoky nose gives way to a unpleasant chemical odour, this is replicated on the palate. This one's not for me.
Una merda
It reminds me of a dirt cheap white wine. An overwhelming vinegar note on the nose and palate. It gets a bit better the further down the bottle you get, but not by much.
If you are going to appreciate this bottle you have to a) like peated whisky, and b) be prepared to have your senses violently assaulted. But it’s worth it. This is Whisky as it should be, smoky, unrefined, spirity; but so, so moreish.
