Spey River 12 Year

I have the peated finish version which I got for about $33. This is a solid blast of smoke. Poured neat, yeah its got the embers we are looking for, along with a bit of peat, sweet malt and barrel. Palate has lotsa bbq smoke with a bit of malt and some fringe sweetness. This isn't complex like the big guy Islays. Finish is long smoke and peat with fading malt sweetness and drying wood. Kind of a one trick smoky pony, but that's a good trick in my book. Lacking in depth and richness of say an Ardbeg or Lap 10 but its 33 bucks. I like it more than Ardmore for lower cost smokebomb but not a replacement for the real deal from Islay. Still good value and bbq goodness so 77/100......makes a great smoke&coke

A dull ride in a leaky oak rowboat. Finishes very watery. 40% Nose: Fresh sweet woody notes Light spice, nutmeg Sweet barley Dry grass Vanilla Someone smoking way off in the distance Arrival: Walnut Young fresh oak wood shavings Jelly belly’s toasted marshmallow flavour Development: Wood tannins Finish: More dry wood tannins Tiny whisper of menthol Watery finish Comments: With a drop of water (not much help) and a few minutes it starts off well but just falls out in the finish. It’s priced accordingly for its lazy finish. You pay for what you get. Good starter whiskey and a nice example of young oak flavour.

Prominent peat on the nose with very faint honey. Taste is light sweetness with decent peat. Very clean. Not complex. The nose is very very enjoyable, I want to wear it as cologne, but the taste leaves you wanting more.

Initially, I thought this was bland, then I kept tasting it and the subtle peatiness of the finish grew on me like the other Islam peat-bombs I enjoy and love!!

Light toasted hay with a touch of toffee and a hint of dried fruit. An easy drinker for somebody starting out.

Sweet with notes of apple, peat on the finish. I'm not a huge peat fan, but smooth drinking