Bladnoch Embers Cask

Nose: Pears, orange water, gentle grassy hay, mild sweet peat smoke, a touch of vanilla, and developing sweet malt extract. Faint traces of farmyard and a mineral note are present. An excellent aroma. Palate: A sweet initial taste with notes of tropical and dried stone fruits (apricots, pears), lemon, and a subtle hint of mixed spice. Digestive biscuits and rich toffee appear as it develops, and a sweet, smooth, creamy peat base emerges with each sip. The texture is rich and slightly slick. Finish: Medium to long. The sweet fruit notes fade into a finish of smoked malt and mocha. This is the finest Bladnoch I have ever tasted, partly due to its resemblance to Hazelburn 10 (which has been impossible for me to find for ages). The nose strikes a perfect balance between refinement and robustness and is, quite frankly, superb. The palate is equally remarkable with its blend of increasing peat smoke, malt, and fruits. This was a special release from The Whisky Club in Australia. I hadn't explored these offerings before, but I am now curious. If I can possibly get my hands on a bottle, I will.

Nose: Crème brûlée, syrupy, a hint of oak? The longer I let it sit, the more tropical it becomes, approaching banana notes. A little water enhances everything and allows the individual aromas to come through more clearly. Palate: Apricots, caramel, biscuity (malty) toffee, a subtle smoky note. It has a velvety texture as well. Water might slightly mute it by bringing the toffees forward. Finish: Moderate to long with a slight prickle. Juicy with creamy richness and tropical brightness. Water nicely dulls the prickle and the creamy mouthfeel transforms into milk chocolate. Purchased as a monthly exclusive from the whisky club Australia after considerable anticipation and hype. Tasty, yes. Good on a cold evening, definitely. "As close as you can get to drinking a campfire marshmallow," not really. Certainly enjoyable, and full of lively character. I can't help but feel I'd rather have a Port Charlotte 10 for warmth and flavor vibrancy or a Woodford Double Wood for decadent richness. Perhaps this is the intermediate option I didn't realize I needed?

Very spicy and peppery. Perhaps excessively so.