SHE SAID: I had originally hoped for a bottle of the Peacock, however it was sold out. I "settled" for the Westie instead. I was a bit nervous my disappointment might affect my first dram. We own several Arran's and I love them all. I love that these are non-chill filtered and that they have no caramel. They are a great new Island distillery (1995) making a name for themselves. I love this region of Scotland and the flavors the majority of them have. I tend to drink them in the fall, a bit in the winter and in the spring.
Would I get another bottle of the Westie, probably not. Unfortunately, I was not overly impressed with the dram. Maybe my opinion will change, otherwise it might take some time to drink this bottle. I could simply save it for when my whisky drinking friends come over (that's an invite for any of you who live close by!)
Color: Late season straw (golden). Legs very close and stringy. A bit viscous as it stuck to the glass, in general.
Nose: Vanilla but very creamy. Reminded me of Tortuga rum cake I had in the Bahamas. Sweet, creamy and a bit of spice.
Palate: Not oily, but sort of like buttery oak. I got a hint of metallic (?). Something very citrus, but zingy like orange zest.
Finish: A bit dry, leaves a prickly mouth feel that lingers a bit. Hint of peppery at the back. Very waming in nature.
Empty glass: Still a hint of vanilla and a bit of spice.
I REALLY wanted that Peacock!
Somewhere on the whisky trail brooding (hehehe!)
Johanne
