Dun Bheagan Small Batch Islay Single Malt

Smell: Meaty (smoked bacon, smoked brisket) char, hardwood bonfire smoke, pencil shavings, iodine medicinal note, a hint of antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide), smoked black mussels, some peanut shell, musty/dusty cellar, cool “blue” smoke, sweet cooling salinity, ocean spray, some apricot marmalade, red apple preserve, a touch of barrel char, a bit of old caramel and toffee, some rubber, hint of band aid, distant sherry sweetness, light spearmint, a touch of mixed ground pepper, maritime beach grasses, marinated spicy green olives, recharred oak barrels, toasted marshmallows, dark chocolate, mint chocolate, dried rosemary, smores, wet earth, faint touch of tinned sardines, light Manuka honey Taste: Chili pepper seeds/flakes, maritime salinity, sweet apricots and some peach, ashy smoke (burnt meat ends with some burnt pipe tobacco), a small touch of brine, hint of wood varnish, some old caramel sweetness and old oak, sweet tea, fusel oil, olive oil, deep wet earthiness, hint of dry Oloroso sherry tannins, vanilla sweetness and a hint of wintergreen mint, a bit of lemon and grapefruit pith with honey Aftertaste: Red apple skins, cooked seaweed, salty burnt meat, olive brine, cured meats, crisp charred bacon, eucalyptus, peach candy

The nose is quite aromatic, with notes of leather, honey, a touch of fruitiness, and a scent reminiscent of autumn fields. The taste arrives with a sweet, smoky flavor like a campfire on flagstone, accompanied by a hint of caramel. The finish is delightfully long, smoky, and very pleasant. The transition from nose to taste to finish is bold and direct, not subtle, but it is very effective.

Some call it a "younger Lagavulin," but I don't agree. It's acceptable for the cost, but I'd readily spend a bit more for an exceptional bottle.

Aroma: Salty, with faint smoke undertones. Flavor: As if Ardbeg and Glenfiddich had offspring. Finish: Smooth and effortless. An excellent introduction to Islay whiskies.

One of my preferred affordable mystery Scotches. It's smokier than it is peaty.

Classic Islay smoke complemented by a sweet, floral finish. A touch nose-tingling.