Lately, I have been listening to British indie pop band Art Brut’s great album “It’s a bit complicated” a lot. Art Brut have always been one of my favourite bands and I even named my cat after their lead singer Eddie Argos. My favourite track on this album is called “Direct Hit”. Listening to this song always brings me into a good mood and makes me want to enjoy a nice dram. The last time I played the tune, I drank a smokey whisky from independent bottler Scotch Malt Whisky Society along with it. “Herb smoked treacle” is a young Ledaig – i.e. Tobermory Distillery’s peated expression – offering a very enjoyable mix of peat, salt and fruits. This combination might sound a bit complicated, but I promise you, it is not. Actually, it is a direct hit.

by Aaron

Eye: Shining cherrywood. Is my mind playing tricks on me or do I really spot a faint hint of reddish bloodsplatter residue in there, too?
Nose: While peaty notes take the lead in the first few minutes after you have poured the whisky into your glass, sweet and fruity aromas come through more and more after a while. Apples, tangerines, honey and freshly made fudge have a vivid party together while getting cured on a barbecue.
Palate: Peaty, salty, fruity. If I had no more than three words to describe this dram, this would be it. Barbecue flavours are combined with salted liquorice, apples and pineapples. In the background there are also honey and citrus fruits.
Finish: A rather long finish with peat and salt as well as some ginger and herbs.

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland (Islands)
Age: 9 Years
Alc. volume: 59.9%
Cask type: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Code: 42.40
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~70.00 Euro
More info: https://www.smws.com/ (Bottler)