The GlenlivetNadurra ("Natural')
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Peated Whisky Cask Finish
61.5% ABV (123 proof)
~$80 (sample provided)
Color: pale straw gold
Smell: very interesting. To me, it smells like overproof oaky California chardonnay. The oak is prominent, and there's a tiny bit of sweet smoky influence. There are also hints of just-sliced granny smith apples, lemon peel, and - weird one - kidney meat (slight urea aroma). Approachable on the nose despite the high proof.
Taste: soft and creamy on entry despite the proof. A little bit of gentle sweetness before the toasty oak and citrus heat take over on the midpalate. The finish is where the peat smoke comes into play slightly, but it leaves a strange spicy bitterness in its wake. Kind of like sitting in the smoking section while eating a green apple soaked in chardonnay. Granted, all of the preceding notes are from sipping this neat. With water, the midpalate and finish are nowhere near as intense - it's all gentle green apple sweetness, faint lemon zest, and a little toasty smoke. That said, the finish and aftertaste remain ashy.
Overall: I'm not crazy about it. It's a "B-" for me, and a big ask at the price point. I like the aroma and the initial taste, but it falls apart on the midpalate and finish with a strange ashy bitterness. If you get a chance to try it, I suggest whiffing it at barrel proof before adding water.
