Various
Ian Macleod
43%
NAS
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Today's scotch whiskey review comes to us in the form of The Six Isles - a fairly new expression that contains components from the six islands surrounding Scotland: Islay, Jura, Sky, Mull, Orkney and Arran. Bottled at 43% ABV with no coloring or filtering, this straw hued dram is begging for our attention as the weather has turned to indicate winter is arriving. Let's dive in.
Rich slivered almond, fresh lemon bar, moist moss and a full bodied maritime presence. Brine, honey and faint smoke lend complexity to the nose and pair well with the fresher, sweeter notes as well.
Pepper immediately jumps out - the medium body mouth feel and lack of heat ushers in some sweet cream, ash, pepper, rising bread and a dank oceanic character. Moss, faint ash, a hint of plastic, lemon curd and vanilla bean round out the palate.
Short to medium finish lends a much smokier impression than expected from the nose, though it delivers cleanly. Ash, brine, a hint of sweetness and lemon bar sees this dram out.
Overall, this fairly inexpensive blend goes to great lengths to capture the best aspects of each Isles character to deliver a profile that is complex, easy drinking and exuberantly ready for colder weather.
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