Islay Storm

(Vita Dulcis Advent Calendar 16/24) A delicate, light aroma that strongly evokes Islay with its characteristic peat notes. It's quite reserved, and the 40% ABV is noticeable. However, it's certainly pleasant. I understand it's partly Finlaggan, which I've previously enjoyed from this calendar. Beyond the peat, there's pure white fruit/grape sugar and bright apple juice. The peat is its only truly compelling aspect. The taste is sweet, with the cold ash from a burnt fireplace. The finish, however, is surprisingly terrible. It starts acceptably but quickly becomes very unpleasant. Whether this is due to the batch used for samples or something else, the finish resembles burnt plastic and glue – almost chemical, like snail poison. I cannot finish the glass. Nose: 3 Palate: 2.5 Finish: 1

Nose: Intense peat, not mellow smoke. It's like peat smoke on fresh asphalt. Also, tobacco pouch and leather. Evokes an old man's local bar. Palate: A sting of alcohol. Honey. The finish is brief, a burn with a whisper of peat. It offers a fleeting impression of what peated scotch should taste like, then vanishes, leaving you pondering the sip. This is a budget-friendly Islay. Suitable as a post-work, daily dram. Consider it the boxed wine of scotch – acceptable for daily sipping, but perhaps not for entertaining guests. Despite this, its reliably unremarkable nature makes it a worthwhile purchase.

Gentle yet distinct smoke. Similar to what others noted, it seems a bit diluted as the finish is nearly absent. Still, it's enjoyable enough to bring to any BYOB house concerts I attend, as I don't mind sharing this for about $21 a bottle! Especially since most people there are drinking cheap beer. I'll be a legend!

Smoky as anticipated. Clearly not in the same league as the premium Islay scotches, but at $20 per bottle compared to the $80+ price of those others, it will more frequently satisfy my Islay scotch cravings than the expensive bottles.

A good amount of smoke, with hints of medicine and ash. There are a few discernible baking spices, but not much else. It might satisfy an Islay craving if found on discount, but it's not particularly great for me.

A subtle peaty aroma accompanied by sweetness. The flavor is acceptable with a somewhat unwelcome initial and lingering sweetness. Spice remains on the tongue with minimal peat presence.