Atholl Brose Liqueur

Appearance: Like 18-carat gold. Aroma: A faint scent of resinous smoke, reminiscent of pine-scented chimney smoke barely perceived on the wind. A trace of oily peat aroma (camphor and iodine) and a suggestion of authentic, high-quality malt whiskey. Fine heather honey, delicate spice notes. Herbal liqueurs (Benedictine and Green Chartreuse). Herbal tinctures (oregano, rosemary, thyme). As it rests, the smoky whiskey scent becomes stronger - take your time with this superb aroma. Flavor and Texture: A sweet and smooth arrival led by spiced honey. Orange marmalade is perceived next, along with herbal extracts, some with a slight bitterness. Fleeting notes of anise or liquorice and cloves. A very subtle hint of smoke, so faint it's almost missed. The texture is rich and full but not viscous - it retains a certain crispness from the touch of bitterness and restrained sweetness. It is definitely sweet, but it gives the impression that the sweetness comes entirely from honey, with no simple syrup added. It has a long, sweet, and herbal finish, offering a warming and comforting sensation with just a hint of sweet mint in the aftertaste. For this selection of whisky liqueur tastings, I chose to save the best for last, knowing it would be. This has been my preferred whisky liqueur since my initial tasting. Dunkeld Atholl Brose is Gordon & MacPhail's interpretation of a traditional Scottish beverage, but they have significantly refined and elevated what is typically a robust homemade mixture into something truly exceptional. If standard Atholl Brose is a simple slice of vanilla sponge cake, this liqueur is croquembouche. Unlike most whisky liqueurs that use unspecified young grain and malt whiskey as a base, this one is built upon Benromach single malt, and its contribution to the liqueur is undeniable. They are likely using young Benromach, of course, but its quality surpasses the spirit found in any other whisky liqueur. They could legitimately rename this "Benromach Liqueur". Like all liqueurs, this is sweet - that's expected. However, if you don't usually care for this type of drink but are curious enough to try a whisky liqueur just once, this is unequivocally the one to choose. It stands to Drambuie as Ardbeg 10 stands to Johnnie Walker Red. Highest recommendation. "Excellent": 89/100 (4.75 stars)

Sweet, with honey and smoke.