Cask No. 42.20

Cask No. 42.20   

Young, muscular and untamed

Highland, Island

The smoky, sooty, tarry nose – inspired many suggestions – new-laid roads, oyster shells, peat-smoke in the maltings, crispy bacon, waxed jackets, Germolene and TCP. The palate found enough sweetness (caramel, toasted marshmallows) to balance the burnt sticks, coal embers, cough mixture, Mescal and nutty smoke – young, muscular and untamed. On the reduced nose, shadows of foamy bananas, flaky pastry and teriyaki pork danced behind the black gauze curtains of smoke, wet dog and old wellies (spell-check alert!). The palate became considerably more drinkable with water – still a liquorice, tar and smoke bomb – but just about defused by foamy pink shrimp and parma violet sweetness.

Drinking tip: After a wet dog and old welly walk