The Peated starts out with a lovely sweet, cocoa edge to the bouquet; second pass finds wet wool and barley sugar combining to great effect. Further aeration highlights oatmeal and honey interchanging with earthy peat. A farmyardy aspect follows as lucerne mulch and hints of manure, and later still, cough lozenge and faint citrus. Mouthwatering, sweet entry leads into a superbly integrated, concentrated, peppery profile; Winds up with with Fisherman's friend, liquorice root, dried fig and salivating, creamy malt.
Nose: A rich herbal aroma intertwined with bonfire smoke, evoking imagery of a seaside campfire. Notes of sea salt, struck matches, and subtle roasted orange peel linger behind the smoky veil.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a distinct oily texture. The high proof delivers a robust entry, blending sweet spices with peat, accented by a faint trace of sulfur.
Finish: Long and warming, with persistent ashy smoke and briny sea breeze. Hints of matchstick and a delicate iodine note round it out.
With Water: The aroma reveals pronounced wet sea salt and brine, with the smokiness softening into a rounder profile. Vanilla and oak emerge prominently. On the palate, the sweetness persists, with the peat becoming less intense, giving way to caramelized oak and fruit notes.
A gentle giant. This old grain whisky doesn’t try to shout, but it has plenty to say if you’re listening. A soft, elegant dram with aged sherry cask influence, balancing fruit, leather, oak, and just a whisper of tobacco. If you’re chasing subtle complexity over brute strength, this hits the mark.
A complex aged nose. Leather, dark chocolate mousse, dehydrated raspberries, canned peaches, and fermentation funk. Dark with tropical notes that bring it to life. To taste, mandarin syrup with spices; cloves and cinnamon. There’s an incense smokiness to the dram as well, bringing forward more rose and berry notes. A delightful example of an aged whisky, but potentially one that can be sourced for a slightly cheaper price. Claims of uniqueness can be a touch overrated, but still worth the experience.