The gang at Darkness hopped up to the Highlands for this smoky single malt and sized it up to be the perfect fit for a finish in one of their little oloroso sherry octaves. Matured for a total of 19 years, the small size of the octave cask used for finishing enabled more interaction between the liquid and the wood, in other words, more sherry and oak influence upon the deliciously peaty single malt.
Oily peat smoke brings suggestions of tarmac and bonfires, while charred cloves and earthy anise are softened by waves of oaken vanilla and Custard Creams.
Charred oak and rich, biscuity malt lead to cakey spice and drizzles of floral honey, while wood fire and burnt coal smokiness crackle beneath.
The smoke lingers for the finish, backed by crunchy cloves and fruit-studded tea loaf.
Got a sample from a advent calendar. On the nose: Reminds me of traditional Icelandic Christmas dinner. Smoky, salty meats and firework sulfur. Palate: Peaty, ash, and salted meat Finish: long smoke
