Hepburn' Choice Inchfad

With the closure of Disneyland Paris this weekend, our family's planned trip was canceled. While I recognize the necessity of self-isolation to curb the virus's spread, I'm not personally too concerned. However, with public social activities reduced, we're making our own fun with cozy blankets, snacks, and of course, some spirits. Today's selection is the quite rare 13-year-old 'Inchfad'. This heavily peated highland whisky from Loch Lomond distillery is apparently seldom found as a Single Malt. It's bottled by Hunter Laing under their 'Hepburn's Choice' label as a single-cask release, with only 345 bottles produced. Now there's one less... Although its pale straw color suggests it wasn't finished in wine, sherry, or any other special cask, its flavor is nonetheless impressive. Initially, the nose had a sulfuric note, but after a brief aeration, the sulfur dissipated, revealing a sweet and smoky aroma. The palate is full and oily, confirming the sweet vanilla from the nose while adding more gentle peat smoke and a hint of fresh apples. It's a well-rounded and substantial dram, but not overly complex. The lingering aftertaste is smoky and oily at first, finishing with a slight saltiness. At this price point, it's hard to find better. If you encounter this bottle and enjoy a sweet, peaty dram that isn't overly complicated, don't hesitate.

More smoky than peaty. I wouldn't purchase a bottle, but it's a decent dram.