Spey River 12 Year

I possess the peated finish variant, acquired for approximately $33. This delivers a robust wave of smoke. Consumed neat, it certainly has the glowing embers we seek, alongside a touch of peat, sweet malt, and barrel influence. The palate offers significant BBQ smoke with some malt and a hint of sweetness on the edges. It doesn't possess the complexity of top-tier Islay malts. The finish is a long trail of smoke and peat with diminishing malt sweetness and drying wood. It's a bit of a one-trick pony with its smoke, but that's a desirable trick in my opinion. It lacks the depth and richness of, say, an Ardbeg or Lagavulin 10, but it costs only $33. I prefer it over Ardmore as a less expensive smoky option, though it's not a substitute for authentic Islay expressions. Still a good buy with great BBQ flavor, earning a score of 77/100... It also makes a fantastic smoky highball.

A dull experience in a compromised wooden vessel. The finish is quite diluted. 40% Nose: Fresh sweet woody scents Mild spice, nutmeg Sweet barley Dry grass Vanilla Someone smoking distantly Entry: Walnut Young fresh oak wood shavings Jelly bean's toasted marshmallow flavor Progression: Wood tannins Finish: More dry wood tannins A tiny hint of menthol Diluted finish Notes: With a splash of water (which doesn't help much) and a few minutes, it starts off well but simply fades away on the finish. Its cost reflects its weak finish. The value matches the quality. A good introductory whiskey and a nice demonstration of young oak flavor.

Dominant peat on the nose with a very slight hint of honey. The taste has mild sweetness with adequate peat. It's very clean. Not intricate. The nose is extremely pleasing; I'd like to wear it as a fragrance, but the taste leaves one wanting more.

At first, I found this to be dull, but as I continued to taste, the subtle peatiness on the finish grew on me, much like other intensely peated Scotch whiskies I enjoy immensely!!

Smells like lightly toasted hay with hints of toffee and dried fruit. A simple choice for beginners.

It's sweet with apple notes, and peat comes through on the finish. While peat isn't my favorite, this is easy to drink.