Black Bottle Alchemy Series Smoke & Dagger - 46.3%

Smoke & Dagger is a new addition to the Black Bottle Alchemy Series, and is described on the website as “Dark and smoky with a hidden edge. Experience an ocean of powerful peat with currents of crisp spice, sea spray and salted caramel”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, oily legs.

Nose: A hefty dose of beach barbecue smoke, seaweed iodine, rich toffee, toasted cereal bars, together with a hint of baking spices.

Palate: More of that dry, ashy smoke, a hint of medicinal phenol, salted caramel, barley sugar sweets, vanilla custard, honeyed cereal bars and a slightly herbal note. Cinnamon and a touch of chilli bring warmth.

Finish: Long and lingering smoke, caramel toffee and sea spray. 

Summary: It’s no secret that Bunnhahabhain plays a significant role in the make up of Black Bottle whiskies. As is the case with the Island Smoke bottling, Mòine plays a major role is shaping the character of this whisky. The combination of robust peat smoke, coastal salt and caramel are well balanced and, along with notes of toasted cereal and a touch of phenolic iodine, make for a very impressive whisky. 

For a whisky currently selling at significantly less than £30 there is more than enough character and complexity to make you feel like you’re getting a bargain, especially when you figure in an abv of 46.3%. I thoroughly enjoyed the Island Smoke bottling, but this one turns it up a couple of notches and just edges it for me.