Caisteal Chamuis 12 - 46%

 

Blended from a careful selection of fine peated Single Malts distilled on the Islands of Scotland, all aged for 12 years or more. 
Double Barrelled Sherry Finish, aged for a full 12 years in refill American oak Hogsheads.
First re-aged in American Oak 230 litre barrels that held Oloroso for five full years and were shipped directly to us from a Bodega in Jerez de la Frontera.
Secondly re-aged in specially coopered European Oak 500 litre Butts which form our own aging solera. These butts were also seasoned with Oloroso Sherry in Spain.

Tasting notes

Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily  legs.

Nose: Sweet, phenolic peat smoke, juicy raisins and sultanas, coastal brine and a hint of musty library books. 

Palate:  Nice oily mouthfeel. Initially, the palate is quite muted with mild notes of ashy smoke, caramel and salted hazelnuts. Just before the finish these notes suddenly build, together with dried fruits, vanilla, all underpinned by a layer of sweet, ashy smoke.

Finish: Ashy, bonfire smoke, astringent nutty oak, maritime saltiness and sweet dried fruit linger on the palate.

Overall: This is an unusual whisky which starts off with a lovely sweet phenolic nose and then dips on the palate before roaring back with an ashy, sweet, salty combination at the finish. The palate isn’t bad per se, it’s just that it feels a little underwhelming and doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the experience.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the rest of the Caisteal Chamuis range, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: this sample was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillers and no goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested.