Islay Journey Blended Malt (Hunter Laing)

Pretty young going off the color and nose. The nose has that new make sour note, maybe a buttered popcorn jelly bean. Of course smoke, but more of an iodine candle by the sea than a campfire or burnt rubber. Some citrus and honey as well. Taste is a bit like unripe orchard fruit cooked over a campfire. Some bring notes as well. Finish is long and reminds me of a tack shop. Overall, a good value and I look forward to seeing it open up over time.

An intense, Blended Scotch Whisky by Master Blender Tom Aitken for the Hunter Laing Distillery in Islay, Scotland aged in Ex-Bourbon barrels. It has a smoky birth with notes of peat smoke, iodine, seaside air, red berry & vanilla; while a warm & oceanic life adds notes of earthy peat, sea spray, seaweed, malt, vanilla & milk chocolate; that led to a long death at sea with notes of seaweed & citrus. January 2020 / August 2022

Very strong malt notes and smoke. Thought this would be made of some island distilleries??? Sort of sea watery and salty tastes. Citrus and honeys are the lighter notes. Not too oily, not too thin but leaves a good thicker mouthfeel. A bit of leather, and overall earthy ness. Good presentation at 46%.

Oct 2019. Clear pale gold. Aromatic new make, peated smoky malt biscuits, campfire and brine in nose. Peated malt, smoky charred grain, iodine campfire and burned grain in palate. Ok balance young peated new make pure malt finish.

Beach fire and roasted chestnuts on the nose. Peaty ash and pine on the palate with a finish that improves on that piney resin with citrus and fish.

Smokey and slightly sweet, a surprisingly nice Islay blend.