Black Burn

A local whisky seller recommended this. Although it's a blend (perhaps due to the inclusion of grain whiskies?), all its base spirits seem to originate from the Speyside distillery, featuring spirits aged between 3-5 years, though the grain whiskies are reportedly older. The name 'Black Burn' is supposedly derived from 'William Blackburn', a former blacksmith whose skill in charring selected barrels was used to impart flavor to his whiskies. The shop owner offered me a taste, and considering the price, I found it quite good: The aroma is somewhat sweet, with honey and floral notes. The sweetness carries through to the palate, with a subtle accent of wood, vanilla, and some dried fruits. The aftertaste is rather brief but pleasant. While certainly not a peated whisky, I think I can detect a slight hint of smoke. It's apparently a good pairing for dark chocolate. Side note: I also appreciate the bottle's design. Once empty, I intend to keep it as a decorative carafe for my homemade perpetuumblend...