McCarthy's Peated Oregon Single Malt 2022 Single Cask #5 (Lost Lantern)

Rating: 14/23 N: Big smokiness and savoriness. Young, barbecue, sweet water, medicinal peat, mild malt, a hint of roast meat, faint apple, some sweet vanilla and pear. The high proof shows here and there's a lot going on, but it's kind of out of balance and the individual scents aren't all things I really like. P: Alcohol burn. Lots of smoke, with savoriness. Barbecue for a bit, but also medicinal peatiness, vanilla, and pear. The alcohol heat really comes through a lot more than the other flavors. Vegetal notes at point with that funky peat flavor. I'm tasting now a creaminess and understand where Lost Lantern came up with a vanilla ice cream flavor. I like the direction this is trending, but the plate is young and burns. F: Lingering spices, bitterness, oilinesss, savoriness. Vanilla is throughout. - Conclusion - There's potential here, but this is too young and it really burns. I want to really like this, but it's rough. It takes a lot of determination or a weathered palate to appreciate this one. It's challenging. I wish I loved this, but it's rough. There are things to like here, but it's not a great representation of American single malt. I'm thinking around a 14. I can imagine a bit higher and a bit lower as options.