Blue Hanger "11th Limited Release" Berry Bros. & Rudd 45.6%

Berry Bros. & Rudd’s blended malt whisky. Unknown to me before I tasted: apparently 8 casks in this blend, 4 hoggies, 3 sherry butts. Peated and unpeated Bunnahabhain. Glad to know I wasn’t going insane tasting peat and dried fruits.

Colour Light gold.

Nose Pleasingly rubbery, almost Springbank-like. A little peat. Malt-forward, bready. Juicy peaches and pawpaw. Chocolate sundae. Some dried fruits and a hint of oak. Scotch fingers with a gingerbread twist. There’s that little peatsmoke note!

Palate Lighter than expected. A little watery. Malt-forward again, some oak astringency, but quite pleasing. Oak spices. Some brightness, perhaps lemons or a cider. Tea and sugar.

Finish A very light rubbery peat and fresh grapes. Drying as I write into sultanas and raisins. Via the smoke? Chocolate. Malty and buttery. Butter on toast. A little melon candy. Moderate to long.

Comments Terrific nose and pleasing finish, but the palate lets it down. A little watery and simple for my liking. Hollow on the inside. The peat notes are lovely, as are the dried fruits. 77/100.

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