Cask No. 53.274

Cask No. 53.274                         

Splendid sweet, smoky synthesis

Islay

The nose took us to the sea-shore – remnants of a driftwood bonfire (charcoal, ash) and lobster pots by the harbour wall – we also got a feast of salt and pepper squid and a seaweed-decorated fruits de mer platter on a plastic table. The palate, full-flavoured, feisty and frisky, had a splendid sweet and smoky synthesis, with hints of citrus and shellfish, Pontefract cakes, tobacco snuff and euthymol. The reduced nose picked up dry, burnt straw notes (like The Wicker Man clear-up). The palate now – blissfully smoky and sweet with enough medicinal notes to confirm it must be good for you.