Blended Scotch Whisky
Aged 8 Years
40% ABV (80 proof)
~$25
Color: light golden brown
Smell: mild for Islay, but very pleasant nonetheless. If Laphroaig 10's "peat reek" is an 8 or a 9 on a 1-10 scale, this is more like a 3 or a 4. There's a slight hint of band-aids and a smoldering campfire, but it's subdued. Also joining the nose is soft honey/floral sweetness.
Taste: mild honey sweetness on entry, then not much of anything on the midpalate. Upon swallowing, the finish is a bit longer, and that's where the characteristic Islay flavors come out: a good bit of smoke, as well some faint oak influence and maybe even a little nuttiness.Overall: this is very pleasant and easy to drink, and a great value. I think it's a "B-/B" in terms of flavor, losing some ground due to proof and overall muted delivery. That said, $25 Scotch you can drink straight is not something you see every day! I'm going to leave it off the recommended list for now, but I'll be reorganizing that page shortly and it'll definitely make the cut for its category.
