Aged 15 Years
Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV (92 proof)
gift, but MSRP is ~$100
Color: goldenrod yellow with a little bit of haze (label says no artificial coloring, and also no chill filtering).
Smell: very inviting. Once my nose adjusts to the initial whiff of smoke, there's a ton going on. Savory, meaty (prosciutto) peat and a creamy mineral/saline note similar to oysters, all over a core of floral honey sweetness. I'm digging it. Compared to Islay peat bombs, this is much more balanced between sweet, savory, and smoky. Not as powerful, but much more balanced.
Taste: soft on entry; honey sweetness and delicate flowers. On the transition, I get much more minerality and some of the savory creaminess. Again, bacon-like flavors. The finish is restrained smoke and a salty sea breeze, with just a hint of oak.Overall: I love it. Easy A-/A, and recommended (although I realize it's a bit pricey). Exceptionally vibrant and well-balanced, hitting great heights of flavor across the sweet/savory/smoky/salty spectrum - it is quite the sensory experience. It lacks the punch of something like Ardbeg's Corryvreckan, but (for me) is right there with Lagavulin 16 in terms of a total package.
