Black Bottle Alchemy Series Island Smoke - 46.3%
Launched in 2021, Island Smoke is one of the first expressions in the Black Bottle Alchemy Series. Although the brand has made a move to be closer to its original 1879 roots, this expression retains much of the heavily peated Islay influence seen in modern era bottlings prior to the pre-2013 relaunch.
Distillery notes
Embark on a voyage of coastal saltiness and stormy smoke to discover a perfect balance of peated island malts and un-peated grains.
Nose: Toasted cedar, earthy peat, subtle toffee and cinnamon hints.
Palate: Oatcakes, seaweed, salted caramel, cardamom, red chilli flake.
Finish: Lingering salty sea breeze.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, oily legs.
Nose: Heavy, sweet peat, rich toffee and vanilla with a hint of baking spices.
Palate: Salted caramel toffee, vanilla, honey cereal bars and a slightly herbal note. Cinnamon and a touch of chilli bring warmth.
Finish: Dry, ashy bonfire smoke, cinnamon and sea spray.
Summary: Although most of the constituents are a closely guarded secret, Bunnhahabhain plays a big role in the make up of Black Bottle whiskies. In this case, Mòine really makes its presence felt. Initial sweet peat gives way to maritime salt and heady vanilla notes before the emergence of dry, ashy smoke at the close. Rich, fairly complex and delicious, this is a whisky which takes you on a journey.
I’m ashamed to say I used to be a single malt snob, firmly convinced all blends were of dubious quality. In recent years I’ve revisited blended whiskies and come to realise just how wrong I was. The reality is that my perception was based entirely on trying poor quality blends and, in doing so, not giving the category a proper chance. This is a whisky which, once again, proves just how good a well constructed blended whisky can be.
Current price is £26, great value for such a quality whisky. As a self-confessed peathead, this more than satisfies my needs and I suspect will be a staple in my cabinet for a long time to come.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy and used for a tasting session with Luke Fenton from Distell, and Ian Logan from Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
