Saman Hosseini
Writer Maison Abattoir
This isn't the same as I remember when I first had it years ago; it was a friendlier middle ground between brooding pleated single malts from Islay and the rich ad opulent Speysides. My guess is reduced sherry cask influence (reducing costs). In turn this now drinks more like my favorite smoky Islay malts. If you enjoy Glenfiddich, this could be ifs punishing big brother. Nice color and concentration from what sherry cask is used; rich and very earthy. The nose is its weak point, somehow off, not enticing. Even the Islay malts that drink like Motor oil smell majestic by comparison. I still vouch for this bottle and for encourage people to ween themselves off of hot bourbons and JW Black Label and step up for this.
This isn't the same as I remember when I first had it years ago; it was a friendlier middle ground between brooding pleated single malts from Islay and the rich ad opulent Speysides. My guess is reduced sherry cask influence (reducing costs). In turn this now drinks more like my favorite smoky Islay malts. If you enjoy Glenfiddich, this could be ifs punishing big brother. Nice color and concentration from what sherry cask is used; rich and very earthy. The nose is its weak point, somehow off, not enticing. Even the Islay malts that drink like Motor oil smell majestic by comparison. I still vouch for this bottle and for encourage people to ween themselves off of hot bourbons and JW Black Label and step up for this.
8.6Matt Trader
Lately, I've been on the lookout for a single malt from Islay that I could get into, because in the past I havent enjoyed peat and smoke. I took a recommendation from a colleague and brought home a bottle of Highland Park, which was a perfect segway into peat. Most of the peat was for aromatics, along with a dab of smoke, ocean spray(NOT THE JUICE), and sweet fruits. The pallet was a little hot, but with a light dose of filtered water, things evened out perfectly. Due to being finished in sherry casks, the pallet shows equal part honey, cherry, nutmeg, and on the other side smoked chocolate and herbaceous peat undertones. The finish is delightful and smooth. Next try will be something with a little more peat and less sweet! $42.99
Lately, I've been on the lookout for a single malt from Islay that I could get into, because in the past I havent enjoyed peat and smoke. I took a recommendation from a colleague and brought home a bottle of Highland Park, which was a perfect segway into peat. Most of the peat was for aromatics, along with a dab of smoke, ocean spray(NOT THE JUICE), and sweet fruits. The pallet was a little hot, but with a light dose of filtered water, things evened out perfectly. Due to being finished in sherry casks, the pallet shows equal part honey, cherry, nutmeg, and on the other side smoked chocolate and herbaceous peat undertones. The finish is delightful and smooth. Next try will be something with a little more peat and less sweet! $42.99
9.0Riccardo L.
Soft, sweet, with a big and bold smoke finish. Nice.
Soft, sweet, with a big and bold smoke finish. Nice.
9.3Barry Wiss, CWE, CSS
By far the star of our Burns night dinner. Not overly peaty with a very nice briny sea air character.
By far the star of our Burns night dinner. Not overly peaty with a very nice briny sea air character.
9.8Mary Fauth
Just keeping tack.
Just keeping tack.
8.8Matt Nicoletti
Oaky nose. Spicy and boozy.
Oaky nose. Spicy and boozy.
8.5Frank Kuo
Nose of baked apple dipped in vodka, with hint of peat and menthol, and a touch of oily aldehyde. Taste is surprisingly smooth. Nice honey flowering note, just a tiny bit of spice and zest, some stringent gasoline, and wood chips. What a smooth beauty as a young bottle. I will have her every evening.
Nose of baked apple dipped in vodka, with hint of peat and menthol, and a touch of oily aldehyde. Taste is surprisingly smooth. Nice honey flowering note, just a tiny bit of spice and zest, some stringent gasoline, and wood chips. What a smooth beauty as a young bottle. I will have her every evening.
9.4Richard Sohn
Honey followed by wisp of smoldering campfire. The perfect balance of everything?
Honey followed by wisp of smoldering campfire. The perfect balance of everything?
9.5Jarrod P.
Backlog.
Backlog.
9.2Dan Lipton
Solid 12 year old. Smooth. Not very smokey. Sweet and carmel. I hear the 15 is awesome. Cant wait to try it.
Solid 12 year old. Smooth. Not very smokey. Sweet and carmel. I hear the 15 is awesome. Cant wait to try it.
8.7Location
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WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.