Black Bottle Ingenious Alchemy (70cl, 40%)

Black Bottle is a blended Scotch whisky bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle. The blend has a high proportion of malt whiskies, including peated Islay malts and smoky Moine from Bunnahabhain, alongside unpeated malts and grain whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks. Medium and heavily charred casks are used, and malts from virgin oak add vanilla and coconut. The brand dates to 1879, when the Graham brothers of Torphins began developing it after making their name as tea blenders in Aberdeen. The nose is fresh and floral, with freshly sawn oak, spice and a hint of smoke. The palate is silky and fruity, with smoke and peat moving into sweet oak and heather honey. The finish is gentle and spiced, with nutmeg, pepper and lingering smoke.