I sure do love these heavily peated single cask Glenturrets - rich, woody, meaty, citric, smoky... big, bold drams. Even the scent left behind in the glass is thick and viscous. This bottle of 12 year old Glenturret was named by actor Neil Patrick Harris (!), one of three he named for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS").
Here are the official notes:
A dense and visceral aroma of peat smoke, dampened moss and oily sheep wool has us yearning for adventure in a faraway land. Cold ash, raw antiseptic, and iodine are met with olive oil, tarragon, and a hint of kaffir lime. A dash of water unlocks a stunning array of smoked duck, brioche bread, and engine oil in a wild display of industry vs nature. This is sheer brilliance in a glass – a privilege to taste, a joy to embrace. Throw away the cork!
Well, that's promising, isn't it? Bottled at 61.1% ABV, typical SMWS single cask (no color, no filter). Let's wade through the peat:
Nose: It's a peaty, herbal powerhouse. Peat, smoke, creosote, rosemary, tar, a huge waft of iodine, lime peel (charry), ash, olives, more cooking herbs (tarragon, oregano, etc). Huge nose, just huge. Massively herbal and medicinal!
Water adds to the ash and herbs, and perhaps a touch of that motor oil.
Mouthfeel: Not as heavy as I anticipated. Medium body. Not super heavy.
Palate: Alcohol burn, iodine, ash, peat, forest, lime, motor oil, ship's rigging, salt, smoke, smoke, smoke. It's a massive peat bomb.
Water adds industrial oil, and a little more lime (peel).
Finish: Long, long finish of iodine, oil, olives, and peat. Strong stuff that lasts an age in your mouth.
Verdict: Damn, Glenturret! What is going on over there!? Their heavy peated offerings are brutal and flavorful and just absolutely brawny and muscular. This is the oldest one I've had, and is better than the others. Unsure if it's more mature, of if the peat has settled down enough that the core spirit is engaging a little more. Great dram.
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