I am not usually a fan of surprises. I like to plan ahead before I do anything, I don’t like practical jokes and I never like to have things thrust upon me. But this advent, to my great suprise, some lovely friends brought me a whisky calendar, chock full of treats. I haven’t been able to keep up with drinking them and will have loads left when Christmas arrives, but it is a real joy. So, as it is Day 11 today, here is Day 11.
Aroma: The first nose, brings unctous, meaty sweet smokiness – like a honey glazed gammon just out of the oven. Then there is a sweeter orange like zest, that in the end becomes a dark charcoal smoke: like ashes left in a fireplace on the next morning.
Taste: Like all good Islay whiskies, this is like a good book. Engaging at first, but ever deeper as it opens and widens.
The start of the palate is syrupy sweet, but it has catches of smoke. Like a sweet cured bacon that has begun to burn under the grill. the middle is wooden, but buttery. It is toasted hazelnuts, dried fruits and and buttery toast.
The end is ashy, oaken and darkly smoky. It develops, acrid with smoke, but tempered with sweetness and joyous warmth.
Real Dram Factor: Islay is my bag and this is classic Islay – 8.2
You will like this if: You like well crisped bacon, log fires and deep brown sugar sweetness.
ABV: 43%
Price: Sold Out – roughly £200 when available.
Source: Secret Spirits – Advent Calendar 4th Edition
Buy Online: N/A
More Information: https://topwhiskies.com/pages/secret-spirits-premium-scotch-whisky-advent-calendars