The eighth of nine whiskies at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") June 2022 Outturn tasting at the Jack Rose Saloon on Sunday, June 5th. Allt-a-Bhainne is a really wacky, kooky distillery - I've only had two bottles from them (both independent), and both were unusual. One had flavors of latex and breakfast sausage (!); the other was pungent and funky and meaty, metallic, earthy. So I was very curious about this peated version.
Here are the official notes:
Toasted grains and burnt bread emerged alongside black pepper coated mackerel and earthy herbal aromas that mutated into walnut oil mixed with chimney soot. On the palate a wave of English mustard tingled the senses before being beaten into submission by dark treacle, blackcurrant jam and lavender. Red liquorice and molasses then fused with sweet smoke and eugenol prior to a large tot of navy rum. With water we found salt mixing with coal dust and tobacco leaves while the spicy flowers of ylang-ylang and carnations lifted baked banana skin and damp wool. The palate was now more juicy with burnt pineapple joining lavender scented soap and sweet nuts, scorched salmon skin and black olives in brine.
Well, hot damn. Burnt bread, peppered fish, walnuts, and soot (!). Wow. Well, I'm going to give a spoiler: this is just as crazy as the other bottles I've had. Let's get to it:
Nose: Holy Moses. Burnt malt barley, cracked pepper like if you opened the pepper grinder and inhaled, dirt/loam - this is so "dirty." I don't quite get the fish, but I do get lots of soot.
Mouthfeel: Surprisingly rich, coating texture here.
Palate: Mustard times a million. Like French dijon combined with that pungent, potent English-style mustard. I've never had this in scotch before! Alongside this, coal, ash, licorice, and ... wool! Yes, like wet wool. Off the wall.
Finish: Very very long finish full of earth, oak, and that cracked pepper. Light mustard smoke (!) rolls around too.
Verdict: Well, it's wild and untamed, but worth trying. One of the most interesting whiskies I've had in some time, peated or otherwise. I'd love to find out how Allt-a-Bhainne does this! Recommended, but you've been warned.
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