This dram has a wonderful dark mahogany colour and looks rich and full bodied. Billy Walker has blended Speyside and Islay malts with aged Glenn Allachie to produce a fantastic balance between fruit and peat which was matured in Spanish sherry, French oak and virgin oak casks.
The nose has smoke of course but it’s not overwhelming. There’s also dark chocolate (Bournville) and the sweetness of Scottish tablet. I also detected elements of condensed milk and the inside of my cigar humidor.
The palate has vanilla, treacle and burnt toast when neat, and is a bit fiery. After I added water the smokiness really comes through with spicy nutmeg, black pepper and a lovely edgy burn going down.
The finish is long and warm and the subtle peat remains for a while with a splendid nip!
This dram is bottled at 48%ABV and whilst it doesn’t blow your head off neat, it really comes into its own when you add water.