JG Thomson Smoky Blended Malt 46%
From the JG Thomson website
Being made from 100% Islay malts, our Smoky Blended malt whisky gives you something to chew on. Once the cork is off, you are met with burning ash, baked seaweed, barbecued fruits and a medicinal undertone. Smoked sugar and salt meet smoked meats, rich clove and delicate honeycomb upon drinking.
We use Pedro Ximenez butts and hogsheads for richness and depth and ex-bourbon barrels for sweetness and body. Using careful cask selection we can highlight the smokiness of the whisky and blend a well-balanced dram. Not too sweet, not too rich, and when you think the smoke is just becoming too much, we bring you right back to start again.
Bottled at 46%, unchill filtered and with no added colour, this is a whisky for true smoky fans and those looking to broaden their palate alike.
Appearance: Pale straw, forms large beads before eventually falling as thick, viscous legs.
Nose: Dry, ashy peat smoke, backed by coastal notes, vanilla and caramelised orchard fruit.
Palate: The smoke is still at the fore, but a more medicinal peat note is now presenting itself. Honey-glazed barbecue meats, vanilla custard, salted caramel and a little roast lemon backed with ginger spice.
Finish: Long and lingering sweet, slightly medicinal smoke, vanilla and citrus notes combine beautifully. A few drops of water really make this sing.
Summary: This is a great combination of Islay malts, bringing together some of the classic elements that make them so sought after. The combination of bourbon and Pedro Ximenez casks works beautifully with the peated spirit to bring real depth and complexity to the finished product. For me, this is a great example of the blender’s art and what it can bring to a whisky.
As a fan of peated whiskies I’ve tried many Islay blends over the years, I can honestly say this one is definitely up there with the best in terms of quality. With a current price on the JG Thomson website of £42.50, if you like Islay whiskies this is one that is worth seeking out.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the JG Thomson range of spirits, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: this sample pack was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the company, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.
