Whisky Focus - Peated Malts of Distinction Smoky Miniature Gift Set

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Peated Malts of Distinction Smoky Miniature Gift Set

17th December 2015

Peated Malts of Distinction is a smoky single malt whisky miniature gift set which brings together The Ardmore Legacy, Connemara Original, Bowmore Small Batch and Laphroaig Select in one box set.

Peated Malts of Distinction gift set.

I thought I would give this a mention for those of you looking for a stocking filler, Maxxium UK who distribute the Beam Suntory portfolio of whiskies has unveiled an smoky gift pack ahead of Christmas this year, which features whisky from across the Beam Suntory portfolio. The "Peated Malts of Distinction" Smoky Miniature Gift Set brings together The Ardmore Legacy, Connemara Original Irish single malt whisky, Bowmore Small Batch and Laphroaig Select in one box set.

Each expression comes as a 50ml bottle and is inserted in an eye-catching box which feature a traditionally cut peat block and also includes a mini-booklet explaining the traditional peated whisky process and the variety of peat flavours present in the range. It has been launched this month at specialist whisky retailers in the UK, it is aimed at both whisky enthusiasts and consumers looking to explore a unique set of flavour profiles.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK said: "The peated malts category is showing strong growth and as distributors of an unrivalled portfolio of peated malts in the UK we’re in a unique position where we can offer customers a variety of taste experiences. The Peated Malts of Distinction gift pack brings together a collection of peated malts for every palate, with each expression boasting its own unique and distinctive smoky flavour.

"From the lightly peated Highland single malt, The Ardmore, which is a perfect introduction to the peated malts category, to the iconic Laphroaig, which is often considered the archetypical Islay peated single malt, the gift pack will provide consumers with a unique taste journey through peated malts."

You can find the Peated Malts of Distinction gift set available from specialist Whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange priced £17.95.

Laphroaig Select Review

William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Nose: Gentle medicinal peat smoke, some fresh lively virgin oak, a touch of lemon.

Taste: Lovely mild creamy vanilla tablet and Demerara sugar sweetness, coconut, a little cinnamon and lemon zest all coated in a delicious refined gentle Laphroaig peat smoke.

Finish: The sugar sweetness fades leaving gentle lingering and slightly drying gentle peat smoke and spice.

Comment: This is not a Laphroaig peat monster so it may disappoint those ardent Laphroaig fans amongst you who are looking for that in your face big peaty Laphroaig hit but it is a very good whisky, yes the peat is lighter than the likes of the Laphroaig 10 year old or Quarter Cask but what is the point in every expression being the same.

This is both a great introduction to Laphroaig and a great whisky for those already familiar with Laphroaig’s peatier offerings and who are open to try something lighter on the peat side which lets the casks used in maturation shine through a bit more. It has been knocked by some reviewers which even put me off trying the Select when it was first released last year, if you want a Laphroaig peat monster then get yourself a bottle of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask if you want to try a different, lighter peated and very good whisky that won’t put much of a dent in your pocket this Christmas then I can recommend the Laphroaig Select.

SMW Score 88/100

Ardmore Legacy Review

William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Nose: A delicate nose with honey, some creamy toffee and a hint of sweet peat smoke.

Taste: A smooth entry with a lovely bourbon barrel edge. Creamy vanilla, sweet honey, mild oak spice all coated in Ardmore's delicious gentle Highland peat smoke.

Finish: A medium length mellow finish. Touch of tangy orange, mildly drying sweet oak spice.

Comment: Often found on offer coming up to Christmas at around £21, and it is a cracking whisky for that price. An easy drinking Highland malt with a nice mellow touch of Ardmore Highland peat.

SMW Score 84/100

Bowmore Small Batch Reserve Review

William Morrison's Tasting Notes:

Nose: An elegant aroma of vanilla, mild sea-salt peatiness, some pepper and spice, hint of violet.

Taste: Light zesty lemon, a hint of cinnamon with creamy vanilla and oak. Light, sweet mouth coating smoke which shows itself more after a few mouthfuls.

Finish: Lingering and slowly drying. Sweet vanilla, lemon and lime, oak spice.

Comment: Undoubtedly a Bowmore but a lighter Bowmore although it does become smokier after a few mouthfuls. A really very easy to drink light smoky, vanilla'd rich Bowmore. I would have loved it to have been bottled at a higher strength just to give a bit more punch than its 40% gives, nonetheless a very easy to drink light Bowmore.

I was told that the first small batch was a release of 5000 cases, so by my calculations there will be around 30,000 bottles per "Small Batch".

SMW Score 82/100