Local Heros Big Smoke (70cl, 46%)

Big Smoke is a smoky blended malt from Local Heros, a three-part series from the team behind The Distillery at Coleburn. Coleburn is a closed Speyside distillery that is set to become a whisky resort. The series celebrates whisky makers, custodians and enthusiasts, and this one is bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It combines vanilla, cherry and coastal notes with a pungent, medicinal smoke. On the nose, zesty peels sit above maritime notes, with caramel, vanilla pods and bonfire smoke following. The palate starts with medicinal smoke that turns to woodsmoke, alongside orchard fruit, espresso, baking spices, honeycomb and cigar. The finish is medium, with sweet spices and bonfire embers.