Whiskyspace Notes 1266
May 27, 2026, 10:52:55
Opening this in the early 1970s-style bottle, wow, the nose is very smoky indeed – like you’re on fishermen’s boats leaving the harbour, whiffs of diesel fumes and tar, but then there’s this lovely mango jam and wee kumquats smoked over charcoal. It’s coastal, like seawater and clay. Taste-wise, it’s a tad rounder than I had thought, medium body. Apples first, then guavas and smoky marmalade. Some big peat, but not too oaky. I get liquorice, capers, and touches of olives. It’s a peated version of Clynelish, lighter, with Taliskerian juices. Never would it show any sign of tiredness – just keeps giving. The finish is wonderful, citrusy, with ashes and gold. A wee bit of vanilla fudge and one grain of salt. Not as heavy as Lagavulin-style peaters, maybe like 30ppm. Palate might be different for you, but for me, it’s opening your windows in front of the ocean. Are you hungry yet? 🦪 Closers to the Longrow than to the Ledaig, but distinct. Done for Asia last year, I think. Wee bottling, less consistent perhaps, but brilliant. Mercurochrome on the finish? Odd, but it works. Clams and whelks on the nose after a while. Some seaweed in there too. Fab stuff, almost like a mainland, lighter Clynelish-style distillate but with soul. Slàinte! 🥃
