Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Highlands

Made famous at the end of the 18th century by the famous smuggler-distiller Magnus Eunson, the distillery behind the name ‘Secret Orkney’, located on the Orkney Islands, is the most northerly in Scotland. Aromatically aged in first-fill sherry casks, this version makes a strong statement about its island origins, notably by letting the omnipresent peat fully express itself. On the palate, the same peat has become much more altruistic, gradually giving way to malty, lactic, fruity and earthy flavours bursting with lyricism.

Nose : Both lively and unctuous. From the outset, scents of dry peat, herbs, flowers and salt spread with determination through the surrounding atmosphere. With aeration, the peat becomes even more present and oily. Gradually, candied fruits (pear, mirabelle plum) and exotic fruits (pineapple, persimmon) emerge.

Appearance : Topaz.

Palate : Rich and powerful. The peat is much more subdued and has little influence on the tasting. On the other hand, the palate has lovely malty, milky and fruity (orange, apricot) nuances. With time, pipe tobacco flavours gradually coat the taste buds.

Overall : Long and well-balanced. At once medicinal (mustard), lemony and vanilla-flavoured, the finish imaginatively evokes the scent of wet earth after a summer storm. Rooty (ginseng, ginger), the aftertaste is covered by a thin layer of salted butter caramel.