The Big Smoke 46 (Duncan Taylor)

I guess I made a lot of "The Big Smoke" back in college when I lived on West Kent Road in Duluth, MN. Who knew I could have turned a pastime into a lucrative business. The aroma of this spirit is somewhat medicinal and very much like a large bonfire at the corner of Island Lake Road and the middle of nowhere. When this enters your mouth, you might not be able to identify the flavor, but I can. I've experienced this before. Back when I lived on The West Kent, I hosted poker nights. One evening I was playing with Tony and Big Tom. It wasn't my lucky night because Tony won all my money quickly. He then proposed a deal to let me rejoin the game. He offered to stake me $50 if I drank a shot of bong water. I accepted. I vomited immediately afterward. After recovering from being ill, I returned to the poker table and transformed that $50 into $200. This particular pour tastes exactly like that bong water, but don't anticipate $200 appearing out of nowhere for you.

A smooth, blended malt whisky from Duncan Taylor & Co., located in Islay, Scotland; the number “46” indicates its 46% ABV. It begins with an aromatic profile featuring notes of a campfire extinguished by wet leaves, oak, almond, salt, vanilla, marzipan, candied citrus peel, and dried apple. The full character develops with notes of burnt caramel, malt, vanilla, and prosciutto, leading to a creamy, medium-length finish with hints of sea spray and wood ash. December 2020 / August 2022

I'm unsure why this receives such low ratings; it's a robust, peaty/smoky Scotch. It exhibits all the classic characteristics of an Islay/Islands Scotch - the smoke, peat, and salinity. It bears a strong resemblance to Ledaig, making me wonder if it's an ingredient in this blend.

The aroma hints at smoke, brine, and oak. It starts sweet with caramel and fruit, followed by smoke. The brine is less pronounced on the palate. The finish is smooth and smoky, with the smoke notes becoming more intense.

Nose: medicinal notes and iodine, a hint of brine, browned caramel, toasted almonds Palate: rich and thick texture, subtle campfire smoke, some decadent caramel, light toasted almond character Finish: lasting rich smoke, a slight bitterness on the tongue's tip, medium heat

From the Flaviar Advent Calendar. Aroma: smoke, ash, and sea salt. Taste: gentle sweetness, spicy, and nutty. A very spicy, prolonged finish. More Lagavulin-style smoke than Bruichladdich, Laphroaig, or Ardbeg. I liked it but wanted more from the aroma.