Phenolic compounds play a major part of what makes smoky whisky so distinctive and yummy, so it's only fair that they are getting their dues by having a whisky named after them. Phenolix is a fab 10 year old single malt Scotch whisky from the isle of Islay, and it's a deliciously smoky expression, showing off its phenol, guaiacol, and cresol (the molecules that make up the phenolic compounds) proudly. A perfect dram if you're keen on peaty deliciousness, we'd say! Plus, Phenolix also sort of sounds like a pretend 1980s video game console with a massive 4 KB of RAM, and that's cool.
Sea shores, roast chestnuts, singed grass, and distant bonfires, with hints of apricot jam and poached pear.
Drying smoke ripples on the palate, alongside apple chips, red chilli flake, and a touch of milk chocolate.
Meaty malt and cask char, with a dollop of creme patissiere.
There are substantial levels of smoke here, but it still manages to be approachable and not overpowering.
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Ok so I’ve tasted this over the course of a month as I find the flavours change and develop once a whisky has breathed for a while, so like to give them a fair crack. I’d largely concur with the tasting notes on the product page, apart from the levels of smoke. Definitely peaty but not a monster. Poached pears, grapefruit, lemon sherbert, iodine , apples, vanilla and cream on the nose. When first opened some floral notes too, but these have all but disappeared halfway down the bottle. Decent mouthfeel, quite thick and oily but not quite a match for the best. Still very impressive for the price. First hit on the tongue is moderate peat and some spiciness and some citrus, which then flows into the same sweet vanilla creaminess that hit the nose. A little mellow drying smoke and good warmth on the finish. The flavours linger for a decent time too. Would I buy again? Probably not - but only as I like my whisky to pack as much smoke and peat as possible whilst integrating with the other flavours. My go to whiskies for comparison would be Laphroaig QC, 10 or Triple Wood. Most Ardbegs, Laga 8 or 16, and top choice would be an Octomore (most of the .2’s). For the money this is a great buy, just doesn’t tick all of my boxes. If smoke isn’t your top requirement then well worth trying to see if it is up your street. Oh and love the bottle - will definitely be recycled for some homemade sloe or rhubarb gin when it’s empty.
