The First Two Smoky-Peaty Scotches I Enjoyed [Whiskey Wednesday]
Johnnie Walker Double Black
Before I went to my pair of first-ever Scotch-tastings in January (two in a span of three days – it was a lot to experience!), I had never appreciated the peaty-smokiness of a Scotch. In fact, I distinctly remember attending a wedding a few years back that had some really peaty-smoky Scotch, which was tough to drink (it very may well have been Laphroaig 10). However, when I went to a second Scotch-tasting in January, I began to like it (NB: I’m more favorable to Bourbon (for my notes on a Bourbon-tasting this spring, see here)). The two smoky Scotches at the first of these were Johnnie Walker Double Black and Laphroaig 10.
Laphroaig 10
Starting off on the nose, Johnnie Walker Double Black has a certain peaty-smokiness, although it seems subdued. When it initially hits the palate, it seems quite smooth and soft. However, once it really hits the palate, the spiciness is immediately there, which is a striking juxtaposition between the softness and the seemingly unexpected spicing. The finish seems nice, especially immediately following that spicing on the palate: the spicing lets off and one is left with solely the lovely peatiness-smokiness 🙂 I greatly enjoyed this Scotch!
The second one is Laphroaig 10, which is such a different experience! Right off the bat, the nose on this Scotch is enchantingly peaty – a scent that is ever-pleasant 🙂 When one actually stops smelling the loveliness and decides to imbibe it, it arrives at the palate perhaps a bit more smoothly even than the Johnnie Walker Double Black. Whilst on the palate, it initially is smoother – and for longer – than the Double Black, eventually yielding to some spicing, though not as much as the Double Black. On the finish, there is some lingering spice, although some really great peatiness, as well!
It was a pleasure to have added this newfound appreciation of not only Scotch, but, specifically, peaty-smoky Scotch!
