Nose: a very nice marriage of peat and sherry. A dark mix of cola candy with a hint of paprika powder and black olive paste. Then a little mercurochrome and seaweed smoke. Increasing hints of menthol. Bright citrus in the background, as well as old leather and sooty notes. Some earthy notes as well.
Mouth: rather excellent again. Red apples with big smoke, iodine, black peppercorns, liquorice and black tea. Bacon with a coating of herbs. There’s a nice acidity from the sherry as well. Then leathery notes, brine and a lightly mustardy edge. I’m getting a few drops of Enmore rum as well, with the tapenade and all. Slightly pungent, maybe a tad more sweetness would have made it even better.
Finish: long, sooty smoke, with a similar sharp edge, liquorice and brine.
Really good Williamson. Peat and sherry don’t always get along perfectly, but this must have been a high quality Oloroso cask. Furthermore the slightly sharp edge is easily forgiven. Good value for money too. Around € 110, check The Whisky Jury for retailers.
