anCnoc unveils two new additions to popular peated range

Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition and Peatheart Batch 3 released to global market

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is building on the success of its award-winning peated range with the release of two exceptional new whiskies, both of which are set to be a treat for peat lovers the world over.

Launching on 1^st July, anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition and anCnoc Peatheart Batch 3 have been crafted by Knockdhu Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce and his small, skilled team in Aberdeenshire, using the same traditional tools and techniques they use to make anCnoc’s unpeated drams.

Their process pays tribute to Knockdhu’s founders by using the locally sourced barley smoked with Aberdeenshire peat that would have defined the character of whiskies made when the Distillery was founded back in 1894.

Sweeter and woodier than the more pungent peat used for whisky making in other parts of the Highlands and Islands, the resulting anCnoc drams are amongst the most modern, interesting and accessible peated single malts on the market today.

anCnoc Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition

A permanent new addition to Knockdhu’s family of acclaimed single malts, this non-aged expression bursts with anCnoc’s soft, sweet, fruity flavours and the delicious vanilla and warm spice of a sherry finish – but with the added richness of subtle, lingering campfire smoke.

The whisky is crafted using a combination of Knockdhu’s peated and non-peated spirit, and after an initial maturation period in American oak casks, it’s finished in sherry butts from Jerez which hone the whisky’s character – as smoky spirit mingles with sweet spicy wood.

anCnoc released its first peated sherry expression in 2020, exclusively for the Swedish market. Its popularity amongst whisky drinkers, particularly those looking to explore peated whiskies for the first time, prompted the decision to craft an expression for anCnoc’s other key global markets.

Tasting Notes

Colour: dark amber

Nose: sweet honey and tropical fruit, notes of cinnamon and rich toffee, delicate campfire smoke

Taste: toffee apples coated in warming spices, deep vanilla, a rich, sweet, smoky character

Finish: long, wood smoke, caramel, vanilla

Bottled in 70cl at 43% ABV, RRP £40.

anCnoc Peatheart Batch 3

The latest addition to anCnoc’s award-winning limited edition Peatheart series, Batch 3 has been long awaited by anCnoc fans following the launch of Peatheart Batch 1 in 2017 and Batch 2 in 2020.

The Distillery team crafts Peatheart whiskies with just the right amount of peated barley, maturing them in American oak ex-bourbon casks to perfectly marry anCnoc’s light, honey, citrus notes with flavours of rich, soft, ashy barbecue smoke.

These qualities are in abundance in Batch 3, but this time round there’s a slightly more pronounced fragrant grassiness, with enhanced notes of green apple and citrus cutting through the oily smokiness.

This latest batch also pioneers a better way to help drinkers understand the level of peatiness in their bottle, by indicating two ppm levels (phenol parts per million): for both the barley and the finished whisky. The peat smoke used in production gives barley a unique phenol level, and for Peatheart Batch 3, anCnoc’s Master Blender specifies a barley with 34ppm. Phenols are lost during the whisky making process however, so to truly understand a whisky’s peatiness, it’s the ppm of the whisky that matters most. In the case of Peatheart Batch 3 this is 13.3ppm, meaning it’s a bold but more mellow peated dram.

Tasting Notes 

Colour: pale gold

Nose: sweet barbecue smoke and earthy peated notes blend with aromas of honey and sweet spices to create a fragrant, grassy character

Palate: peaty smokiness laced with green apples and citrus, sweetened with hint of vanilla and complemented by an oily smoky note which lingers in the finish

Bottled in 70cl at 46% ABV, non-chilled filtered and with natural colour. 1535 cases available. RRP £55.

Gordon Bruce believes it’s the combination of superbly crafted small batch whisky, and the distinctive smokiness of Aberdeenshire peat that lies behind global demand for anCnoc’s peated range.

He commented: ‘I couldn’t count the number of people who tell me they love whisky but just can’t drink it when it’s peated; until, that is, they try anCnoc’s peated whiskies. Both of these new expressions are a tempting proposition: modern, hand-crafted single malts, featuring our light, fruity spirit with a dark, smoky twist. And both are made with the integrity, craft ethos and local resources that our single malt is known for, offering drinkers something genuinely different in the world of peated whisky.

‘With Sherry Cask Finish, Peated Edition, rather than those medicinal flavours that can be hard to gain a taste for, we’ve created a luscious single malt that offers the best of both worlds; an appealing, ashy smokiness with light, honied anCnoc notes. Peatheart is a whisky that already has a lot of fans, but with Batch 3 there are some subtle differences and a few fresh flavours that we know drinkers are really going to enjoy.’

In the UK, both whiskies will be available exclusively at whiskyshop.com from 1^st July before going on sale with independent and specialist retailers and on Amazon from 3^rd July. The new expressions will be rolled out to other global markets including Asia, Europe and Canada in the coming months.

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ABOUT ANCNOC

anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery, which sits in the shadow of the ‘Black Hill’ (Knockdhu in Gaelic) near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was established in 1894 by the pioneering John Morrison, after he spotted an abundance of the natural resources needed to make fine malt whisky in the area: pure spring water and plentiful supplies of peat and barley.

Today, Knockdhu is known as one of the smallest and most enchanting distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, producing a refreshingly modern single malt whisky with the most traditional skills and processes. The Black Hill continues to supply pure water for the whisky making process. The Distillery’s two copper pot stills replicate the original 1894 design, their bulbous bases giving anCnoc its light, fresh, fruity flavour. Old fashioned worm tubs are used to condense the vaporised alcohol. And Distillery Manager Gordon Bruce, and his team, make up one of the smallest workforces in any Distillery (including many dogs!)

anCnoc’s first foray into peated whisky began back in 2014 with the launch of a new ‘Peaty’ range, inspired by the whiskies made early in Knockdhu’s history using local peated barley.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGE HOLDINGS LTD

International Beverage is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses. Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant spirits. These include:

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, No.1 Premium London Dry Gin in the Scottish Off Trade*
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Phraya, a premium rum handcrafted in Thailand

*Neilson IQ – Volume and Value latest 52 weeks to 28/08/2022.

Glencairn Crystal challenges the whisky industry to think twice about the importance of glassware with new Glencairn Glass campaign 

Scottish company, Glencairn Crystal, is challenging whisky companies and distilleries to think twice about the glassware they use to serve their whisky in and the vital role it plays in enhancing consumers’ experience of their brands with a new campaign featuring the Glencairn Glass.

The new business-to-business campaign will pose the question; you wouldn’t serve a gourmet meal on a paper plate so why would you serve your whisky in poor quality glassware? and will feature the strapline ‘Don’t destroy your brand – your whisky deserves better.’

Launching this month, the campaign will run in print media across drinks trade publications and digitally across social media platforms, as well as via the Glencairn Glass website, whiskyglass.com.

The digital campaign incorporates two short videos. The first video highlights the importance of serving quality whisky in a glass that is created and designed with guidance and expertise from some of the world’s most esteemed master distillers, to help customers fully appreciate the nose, colour and flavour of the whisky, as well as promoting and enhancing the brand. The second video features the story and rationale behind the Glencairn Glass design and curation over 20 years ago.

As part of the campaign, the Glencairn Glass website now features a new ‘Don’t destroy your brand’ section inviting customers to input their brand name or logo into the 3D visualiser enabling them to see how their bespoke engraved Glencairn Glass will look before purchase.  This is accessible via the digital advertisements and also by scanning a code on the print advertisements.

Since its official launch by Glencairn Crystal in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has become the world’s favourite whisky glass. The glass was the brainchild of Glencairn Crystal’s founder, Raymond Davidson. His vision was to create a glass that the whisky industry could call its own – that would encourage the user to fully appreciate the nose and palate of a whisky. Over the last 20 years the Glencairn Glass has proved to be the world’s favourite whisky glass with over 5 million glasses being sold each year across the globe.

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director, commented: “Here at Glencairn Crystal we’ve worked with the finest whisky names in the business over the last four decades. We understand that, when it comes to making quality whisky, the process involves the best ingredients distilled with skill, matured for many years and presented in premium packaging. So it only makes sense to serve it in a glass that reflects all that care and attention – which is exactly why we created the Glencairn Glass over 20 years ago.”

He continued: “Our new ‘Don’t destroy your brand’ campaign aims to highlight the importance of how you present your whisky and act as a reminder to brands that every touch point of their whisky creation and presentation is crucial to retain brand and product equity.”

For more details about Glencairn Crystal and the Glencairn Glass please visit: www.whiskyglass.com and www.glencairn.co.uk

About Glencairn Crystal

The award-winning Glencairn Crystal Studio has been at the cutting edge of high-quality decanter and glassware design, innovation, and creativity for four decades. Regarded internationally as one of the finest crystal decanter and glassware manufacturers, the family-run Scottish company has hand-crafted prestigious decanters often for the rarest and most luxurious spirits ever released.

The Glencairn Glass for whisky was officially launched in 2001, and over 5 million glasses are now sold each year across the world.

Limited-Time, Yesteryear Pricing on an Islay Staple
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $50) ($34.99)

“This one isn’t likely to last long, but we will always fight the good fight against inflation in booze pricing and keep doing all we can to get the sharpest pricing to our customers.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Today’s offer is can’t-miss opportunity to fall in love with an old favorite all over again. No matter how many bottles a Laphroaig fanatic has gone through over the years, they can’t help but go head over heels at this unheard-of price. In one of the great negotiating coups of the year, our spirits team has worked out a sub-$35 price on Laphroaig’s ultra-classic 10 Year Old that we haven’t seen in over a decade. There isn’t much else to say but make room behind the bar, under the table, in the pantry…wherever you can in order to stash away as much as you can, because we’ll certainly never see this price again.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $50) $34.99

92 points Whisky Advocate: “This expression offers an uncompromising note of brine-laden peat and iodine, with charcoal and sweeter fruit notes also present. The palate is equally out there, with old-fashioned fabric Band-Aids, bladderwrack seaweed, black pepper, smoldering peat, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. The finish is as big as everything else, with barbecue, iodine, and asphalt. Still a classic! (GS, Fall 2018)”

92 points Wine Enthusiast: “Look for a distinctly peaty aroma, with hints of smoked fish, bacon and mesquite. The palate shows peat smoke from the first sip plus an undercurrent of honey, finishing with black pepper heat. Water brings out a spearmint note and a touch more vanilla. (KN)” (12/2017).

K&L Notes: The last time we sold Laphroaig 10 for this incredible price was February 6th, 2012! When this deal is gone—it is gone. This 10-year-old malt epitomizes the taste of Islay; rich, smoky, and peaty. Known as “the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies,” Laphroaig is widely considered one of the finest distilleries in the world. That they’ve held that distinction for two hundred years is nothing short of awe inspiring. Laphroaig continues to maintain an on-site malting operation, which accounts for a small but significant chunk of the barley that they distill. Fermentation is conducted precisely in steel before distillation using a complex seven-still system. The spirit is almost always filled into ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting whisky is one of the world’s great marvels, the confluence of nature’s bounty and human ingenuity. You may not like the way this whisky tastes, but you sure won’t ever forget it. If you do accept the siren’s call to this hollow by the bay, there’s fortunately no going back.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 27, 2023

Sometimes things happen that make you think “it’ll all be ok.” In a world of skyrocketing prices, we’ve managed to put together an incredible deal on one of Scotland’s greatest flagship marques. Laphroaig 10 sets the standard for peated Scotch for many drinkers. It’s intense and yet full of balance and finesse. We’ve locked in pricing on a large parcel that has allowed us to turn the clock back over a decade and offer this classic for the same price we were selling it for in the beginning of 2012! This one isn’t likely to last long, but we will always fight the good fight against inflation in booze pricing and keep doing all we can to get the sharpest pricing to our customers. Whether you rely on the 10-Year as a staple or you’ve been thinking about dipping your toe in the peated waters of Islay, now is definitively the time to buy. Let’s taste! Luminous amber in color, it seems to glow in the glass. The aromatics are intensely rich. Smoke and salt mesh with golden barley and toasted bread. Saturn peaches and green apples receive a BBQ char. Sweet oatmeal laden with brown sugar and maple syrup gloss the smoke. On the palate, vanilla and dew covered herbs mix with the fruit and smoke. Sweet malt stands strong as a backbone and a delicate floral nuance adds incredible depth and intrigue without being overwhelming. The palate weight is huge even at 43% ABV, and the finish lingers for a long time with a pleasant bonfire smoke and reprise of sweet fruit and grain. Lovely.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Tomatin Single Cask 1993 – 125th Anniversary

This rare single malt Scotch Whisky cask has been personally selected by Master Distiller, Graham Eunson to mark the 125th Anniversary of Tomatin Distillery. Distilled on the 11th of June 1993 and matured in Oloroso Sherry Butt (cask no:6810) and bottled at natural cask strength.

NOSE

Similar to the type of cask that would have been used in 1897, this is a great example of a whisky that takes time to open up. Initially the nose is very soft with hints of furniture wax, hessian and engine oil. Emerging notes of very old oloroso sherry bring a complex mix of fruit and nut; figs, raisins, plums, pear tarte tatin and frangipane. Growing ever bolder, aromas of coffee liqueur, flamed orange, caramel and black walnut bitters show a darker side before herbal notes of pipe tobacco and eucalyptus.

PALATE

Massive sherry notes coat the palate, walnut, almond, raisins (almost like PX) and citrus in the form of tangerine. This is followed by a wave of European Oak spice, toffee and dark chocolate. In time a liquorice flavour develops along with a hint of Assam Tea.

FINISH

Deep and rich. A short dryness from the Assam Tea note is replaced by re-emerging raisin and chocolate.

Only 501 bottles produced.

£640.00

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Macallan 18 Year Old 2023 Release

A crowd-favourite which doesn’t stick around in stock for too long! Matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, in a wee match made in heaven paired with their rich, fruity and full bodied new-make spirit.

Buy Now

The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak is matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, in a wee match made in heaven paired with their rich, fruity and full bodied new-make spirit. Presented at 43% abv.

Hamish Says…

ralfy review 983 Extras – ‘Oxidisation’ of whisky over time.

HAPPY CANADA DAY, eh?

THE ‘PIONEERS EXPERIENCE’ RETURNS TO CENTRE STAGE AT THE MACALLAN ESTATE

The Macallan Estate has announced the return of its spectacular immersive theatre experience, with an adapted script for 2023 highlighting the real-life story of former managing director, Janet Harbinson.

Following the story of The Spirit of 1926, The Macallan’s first biopic which was released in November 2022, The Pioneers Experience is a theatrical journey which explores The Macallan’s 485-acre Estate and transports guests back in time to be met by some of the most notable characters from bygone days at the distillery.

Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’, is a remarkable figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, sadly passed.

Nettie was highly committed to the local community and following her husband’s death, she assumed control of the distillery as it was the best way to secure The Macallan for its employees and help the community. Through her passion and care for those around her and her dedication to craftsmanship, she kept the business running and helped to rebuild the local area.

Written by actress and voice artist Debra Weston, whose film credits include Patriot Games, Thunderbirds, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the script for The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience follows Nettie’s journey, including her craft of the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction, The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926.

Nettie’s story will be shared through a promenade theatre experience on the banks of the River Spey, moving through time and transporting guests to rarely-seen locations throughout the Estate. As they step back in time, theatre-goers will also enjoy a picnic lunch with Nettie and Alexander, as well as other notable characters such as Captain John Grant who first realised the potential of Easter Elchies Estate in 1700; the land that has been home to The Macallan Distillery since 1824.

Launching on Friday 7 July and running until Sunday 23 July 2023, this exclusive outdoor experience sees guests served select drams of The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky along the way, completing their journey through history with a whisky production tour.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is brought to life through the talents of professional actresses and actors.

Stuart Cassells, General Manager at The Macallan Estate: “We’re proud to be the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to tell the story of our rich heritage through live performance. Nettie’s story is one of quiet heroism and profound legacy, which has informed the Estate’s past and played a significant role in shaping our future.

“The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is one of the most significant events in our calendar. It returns for 2023 with an exciting twist, with the help of Debora Weston and a team of extraordinary actors from across Scotland.”

As part of the exclusive, three-hour experience, guests will explore areas of The Macallan Distillery not usually open to the public, including Warehouse No 7, one of The Macallan’s oldest warehouses.

Located amidst breath-taking natural landscapes in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan Estate is a world-leading hospitality destination.

Home to every bottle of The Macallan’s incomparable single malt whisky, the serene countryside estate offers much more than just a whisky experience, with fine-dining, private shopping and fishing all available on site.

The Macallan Estate Pioneers Experience is priced at £80 per guest and is available to book for a limited period, running on select dates from Friday 7 July and until Sunday 23 July inclusive. All experiences must be booked in advance with The Macallan Estate team.

For further information, visit https://www.themacallan.com/ or contact estate@themacallan.com.

You can also visit The Macallan newsroom at https://www.themacallan.com/en/newsroom

About The Macallan 

Founded in 1824 on a plateau above the River Spey in north-east Scotland, The Macallan is renowned globally for its incomparable craftsmanship, creativity and innovation with each bottle of single malt whisky revealing its unique mastery of wood and spirit.

Social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of The Macallan, and as part of its commitment to establishing a positive legacy it revealed its award-winning new Distillery in 2018. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, the building takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills and is located on The Macallan’s beautiful 485-acre Estate. To this day, the single greatest influence on The Macallan’s sought after portfolio of single malts is its sherry seasoned oak casks from which its whiskies derive their distinctive flavours, aromas and natural colour.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. 

About Janet Harbinson

Janet Harbinson, known as ‘Nettie’ is a remarkable figure in The Macallan’s history. In 1918, just months before the end of the First World War, her beloved husband Alexander, who had been running the distillery at the time, sadly passed.

Nettie was highly committed to the local community and following his death, she assumed control of the distillery as it was the best way to secure The Macallan for its employees and help the community. Through her passion and care for those around her and her dedication to craftsmanship, she kept the business afloat and helped to rebuild the local area.

Without setting out to do so, she also crafted The Macallan Fine & Rare 1926, which achieved legendary status after it fetched £1.5m at Sotheby’s in 2019. Several years on, it continues to be the world’s most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction. Its very existence is a direct legacy of Janet Harbinson’s commitment to doing the right thing for her family, the community and The Macallan.

A golden opportunity to bid for a rare blend from Bimber distillery is coming your way, made especially for mountain climber Philip Pinchin to raise money for Cobalt, the medical charity that his late mother supported. In April, Philip set off on an expedition to summit Lhotse at 8,516m, the fourth highest mountain in the world. The outcome was that whilst Philip didn’t summit due to health issues, the whisky did! A generous climber from Philip’s expedition took the miniature on their climb and summited Lhotse.  You can own this bottle by bidding in the upcoming auction.

One of the three 75cl bottles and the miniature that summited Lhotse will be auctioned on June 30^th until 8^th July by Scotch Whisky Auctions. This is an amazing opportunity to own a whisky with a fascinating story. This incredibly special Bimber is an entirely unique marriage of three different cask types, including some of their oldest and finest stock. Be part of this story and own a piece of history!

All proceeds from the auction will be presented to Cobalt.

Simply click here to get bidding!

About Cobalt Health

Each year Cobalt provides diagnostic imaging for over 130,000 patients with a fleet of mobile MRI, CT and PET/CT scanners supporting hospitals across the UK, at Imaging Centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and with national lung screening. Cobalt pioneer innovation in medical imaging diagnosis by investing in equipment, integrated research and education to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future. The Charity also participates and funds research mainly in the areas of cancer and dementia and provides training for healthcare professionals on a local, national and international basis.

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

About Scotch Whisky Auctions

SCOTCH WHISKY AUCTIONS IS ONE OF THE UK’S BIGGEST WHISKY ONLINE AUCTION SITES, WITH AUCTIONS HELD EVERY MONTH. OFFERING 0% COMMISSION FOR SELLERS.

BIZARREBQ

Limited Edition

70cl | 50.9% ABV

Ardbeg’s first ever barbecue-inspired whisky, BizarreBQ is an exciting collaboration between renowned Master Distiller Dr Bill Lumsden and Pitmaster Christian Stevenson (AKA DJ BBQ). The spirit was matured in a combination of double charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks & unique BBQ casks, coming together to bring a sweet, tangy, smoky flavour.

 NOSE​​

Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up. A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses.

PALATE​

The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.

FINISH​

The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with ginger, aniseed and with an aromatic woodsmoke.

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Ardbeg BizarreBQ has been matured in a combination of double charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks & unique BBQ casks, igniting a feast of aromas in hickory smoked ham, grilled artichokes, flamed steak & cinnamon dusted espresso.

Aroma: Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up.

A splash of water releases distinctively sharp citrus aromas, along with herbal notes such as fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat sizzles the senses. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers lingers in the background.

Taste: The mouthfeel is alive with spice, like BBQ ribs smothered in chilli. A myriad of deep, warming smoke follows close behind in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.