Malt Pedigree – Peatbull – 2002/2009 – 58,4% – La Maison du Whisky

Nose : We might nearly think of a Laphroaig by certain aspects, notably its vegetal peat, lingering on seaweeds and medicinal tones. However, we do have a smoke veil and a well pronounced sweetness. We also have polish, fresh pear, dried fruits (walnuts, pecan nuts) but also salt, malt and orange. There is also a lightly fresh note (lime tree, cucumber, mint). The alcohol stays discrete. The opening brings toasted white bread notes, touches of cake (honey waffles, Aix calissons).

Mouth : The texture is pretty oily with smoke (wood, plants) to begin with. The chocolate and the dried fruits (pecan, macadamia) are linked with salt but also carry cinnamon or even orange. During the second part of the mouth, the chocolate liquefies to give an unctuous cream associated with orange juice and biscuits (petit beurre). It ain’t the most complex malt but it is generous and convivial. Typically the good peaty buddy, uncomplicated, with whom to spend a harsh winter night.

Finish : The length is here with this most fine peat (charcoal and medicinal smoke) chocolate alliance. The persistence is pretty good even if it tends to disappear with time. The aftertaste finds back the citrus fruits and the freshness we had at nose. The peat, that became essentially smoky, is still here (pleasant retro-olfaction).