Scarabus Single Malt

Aroma: Crisp peat smoke, flinty stones, a breezy seashore, a hint of tangy citrus (grapefruit, lemon), and just a touch of vanilla and pencil shavings. Palate: Immediately briny upon arrival with semi-sweet lemon as the base. The sweetness increases as it develops, with just a suggestion of salted caramel and mild peat smoke. The smoke flavor grows throughout the palate but never becomes overwhelming. The palate is crisp and clean with a fresh, firm texture, not oily or creamy. The dry, salty aspect remains consistent. Finish: Medium to long. The salt and lemon profile gradually fades into a mildly ashy sweetness, and the texture becomes creamier. A pleasant NAS from Hunter Laing, sourced from an undisclosed Islay distillery, but it's clearly Caol Ila, and very young Caol Ila at that. Its crisp lightness, lack of intense wood character, and almost colorless appearance all point to very young whisky aged in good quality refill casks. I doubt it's much older than 5 years, but that's not a definitive measure. Some remarkably good young single malts exist (Waterford, Lochlea, Ardnamurchan, etc.), and this expression belongs on that list. Notably, when first opened, this whisky seemed excessively salty and harsh on the nose with a sharp palate; however, it has softened considerably within a week. At 46% ABV, it can take a dash of water, but dilution primarily mutes the nose and introduces plastic/rubber notes to the peat smoke. Similarly, the palate softens, but a slightly sour metallic flavor emerges, which isn't ideal. Water does enhance creaminess, but overall, adding it is a poor choice, so best enjoyed neat. This can be savored as a sipper, but for me, it lacks the depth for a truly engaging experience. It works well as a mixer or in long drinks, and is pleasant in black coffee, making it a good value for the price. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

Nose: Pure, mineral-driven peat smoke with a clean scent, bright lemon zest, honey, and salt. Taste: Salty, bright, mineral-infused smoke with vanilla, lemon, black pepper, and citrusy lemon zest. Finish: A lasting saltiness with fruity, smoky notes, vanilla, and lemon zest, plus a subtle minerality. Score: 78/100 Final Thoughts: While I'm certainly no expert on Islay whiskies, I've been fortunate enough to sample several Caol Ila expressions. This one strongly suggests a young, ex-bourbon matured Caol Ila. It captures the ashy, mineral peat smoke and the vibrant lemon/citrus zest character from beginning to end. Considering it comes from a large distillery owned by Diageo, which has the production capacity for a blend like this from Hunter Laing, it offers good value and a pleasant drinking experience. It's suitable for sipping neat when you desire a peated whisky without much thought, or it would also work well as a peated mixer. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - Perhaps another one. NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Visually, this whisky possesses a surprisingly pale hue, resembling white wine, clearly indicating minimal barrel time. It presents a potent aroma that requires some attention to uncover its finer points. Initially, there's intense ashy peat, fatty cold bacon, a touch of copper, iodine, and sharp alcohol. Subsequently, a whisper of vanilla emerges, along with a scant amount of fruitiness, specifically Bosc pear and immature pineapple, resting on a saline seaweed base. On the palate, it is unexpectedly sweet and piquant. The sweetness is direct and sugary, complemented by red pepper flakes and a zesty citrus note, akin to lemon. However, upon swallowing, sooty peat takes over the palate, accompanied by a hint of iodine. The texture is agreeable, coating the mouth without being overly heavy. The initial legs are thin and rapid, evolving into thicker ones with medium trails, leaving a faint mist in the glass. The extended finish is slightly arid, somewhat leathery, peaty, a bit woody, and sharp. Nose: 7 Taste: 8 Body: 7 Finish: 7

Starts with a musty vinegar aroma alongside green apples, iodine, antiseptic, mesquite jam, and dry smoke. On the palate, it's somewhat thin, beginning with a hit of dried green apple, then a sweet smoke with a hint of the sea. It bears a slight resemblance to smoked kipper. The flavors don't persist for very long, with smoke being the only sensation that remains. Overall, a rather decent scotch, and I find it more balanced than the classic Lagavulin 10. Considering its cost, it presents a very good bargain.

Very peaty. The aroma has smoke, peat, earth, seaweed, damp decaying plant matter, ocean air, and charcoal, with a hint of the ear drops used after swimming at summer camp. It's rich and earthy on the palate; featuring charcoal, peat, smoke, earth, leather, vanilla, band-aids, oak, black pepper, and toast. The finish is long, peaty, earthy, and peppery. While not the smoothest, it's full-bodied in every aspect, and the blend of earth and sea feels transportive. I feel like reading Conrad or Melville.

Such quality for $30? It's incredible. The typical Islay flavor profile is present: smoke, brine, and sweet malty honey. At 46% ABV, it feels very smooth. A group of friends and I finished the entire bottle in under an hour. It has no age statement and it's difficult to determine its origin beyond being from Islay. It's likely the finest inexpensive whiskey I've ever encountered.