If you happen to’re accustomed to the blogs we publish right here at Nice Drams, you’ll probably have observed that we frequently assessment a variety of whiskies from areas resembling Islay, Speyside, and the Highlands. One pattern I’ve observed lately, is that I’ve not reviewed as many lowlands whiskies as I’d have preferred. I need to do one thing about that at this time.
Right this moment, we’re venturing to a surprising a part of the Scottish Lowlands, Fife, to assessment an distinctive drop from Kingsbarns Distillery. The whisky we’re taking a look at at this time is one thing a bit totally different, from a brand new up and coming distillery who look destined for giant issues.
The whisky in query is called ‘Coaltown’ and can seem to those that are in search of only a contact of peat of their whiskies.
From Golf Course to Distillery
Kingsbarns Distillery is situated in Kingsbarns, Fife, and is without doubt one of the newer distilleries within the area. It was based by a former golf caddie named Douglas Clement, in 2014.
Scotland has a wealthy and storied historical past of golf. In actual fact, many think about Scotland to be the final word golf haven. Take one take a look at the Outdated Course at St. Andrews, or the rugged shoreline on the 14th gap at Fife’s very personal Crail Golf Course, and also you’ll know why golf lovers from throughout the globe think about it to be so particular.
Working as a caddie, one factor Douglas observed time and time once more, was that visiting golfers would usually specific their disappointment on the lack of a whisky distillery within the area. I can perceive this, as there’s no higher option to raise your spirits after taking pictures 20 over par within the pouring rain, than by having fun with a wee dram or two to heat up.
Clement was in a position to safe a enterprise mortgage and obtained an funding of round £3 million, from the Wemyss household, for the development of a brand new distillery.
Owned by Wemyss Malts, the primary casks had been crammed in 2015, with Kingsbarns Distillery formally unveiling its first single malt Scotch in 2018. The distillery has gone from power to power and lately unveiled plans to develop, and tackle the American market.
What do you do if you wish to create a whisky for individuals who need only a suggestion of peat of their whisky? You go forward and usher in Grasp Blender Isabella Wemyss, to create a whisky matured solely in ex-peated casks.
Named in honour of a mining village situated close to Wemyss Citadel, named Coaltown, this malt whisky is created in honour of the Wemyss Household, who’ve deep ancestral roots in Fife, to not point out the whisky world.
What I like about Coaltown is the truth that, by maturing the whisky in ex-peated casks, reasonably than peat-dried barley, not solely is the peaty, smokiness toned down, however Kingsbarns are additionally in a position to cut back their carbon footprint, one thing we’re particularly captivated with right here at Nice Drams.
So, there’s a fast backstory, however what are you able to count on from this distinctive dram?
Non-chill filtered, and with an ABV of 46%, this Lowlands single malt Scotch has a pure pale toffee color that’s very nice on the attention. One take a look at it is going to have your mouth watering.
On the nostril, the spirit is surprisingly mature. You get candy, caramelized pineapple and banana aromas, coupled with wild Scottish heather and citrus peel. Initially there isn’t a lot smoke, however don’t fear, it’ll quickly hit you. The smoky, ashy notes from the peated casks rapidly turn into obvious, although they’re smoothed out considerably with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
On the palate, it has an amazingly wealthy and creamy mouthfeel. There’s overripe banana bread, summer time berries, candied ginger, black pepper, and sandalwood. Once more, the smoke takes some time to reach. Then comes the charred smoky notes, accompanied by toasted orange peel and buttery shortbread. A really advanced dram this one. You would possibly want multiple sip to choose up all of the flavours.
The end is prolonged and drawn out. There’s salted caramel popcorn, delicate bonfire smoke, bonfire toffee, charred oak, and a contact of tobacco leather-based. The end lingers and is considerably dry within the mouth.
If you happen to’d wish to study extra about your favorite whiskies, or deal with your self to a wee dram or two on the identical time, head on over to GreatDrams.com and try what we have now to supply.
With a formidable collection of limited-edition, uncommon, and award-winning whisky, in addition to heaps of whisky information on our weblog, it’s the proper spot for any whisky lovers on the market.
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