Wemyss 5yo ‘Peat Chimney’ (40%, OB)

A young bottling from the independent bottler Wemyss Malts (pronounced weems). A blended malt (more than one distillery but only employing single malts in the mix) without chill filtration.

The nose is sweet (honeyed) at first with some green notes quickly followed by some gentle peat and hints of the ocean. The peat smoke is quite gentle but it is present and it is nice. There is also some hints of Weetabix and the green notes. The taste is good, warming, some peat smoke, fruit and hints of raisins followed by a good dollop of malt. There are also some good dry oak spice notes and a little bitter green something but this does not detract. The malt charges back after a few moments. The finish is slightly bitter, with peat smoke and some malt. The bitterness may be a bit much for some people however it quickly changes to a dryness. After a few minutes (perhaps 10) there is a really big blast of peated malt. Where did that come from??

Very old and very young at the same time, some what pulling in two directions at once, an interesting dram and a good one to share with friends (who know nothing of whisky and won’t be biased).

£23

Score 80

Visit Wemyss at www.w-v-m.com