Lochlea – Smoke Without Fire Ex-Peated & Red Wine Casks (70cl, 46%)

Smoke Without Fire is a single malt from Lochlea, an independent farm distillery in Ayrshire. It is bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle after maturation in ex-peated casks and red wine casks. The smoke here comes from the casks rather than from heavily peated spirit, so the fruity, malty house style meets gentle smoke, red fruit and spicy oak. The nose shows red berries, malt, vanilla, light smoke and spice. The palate is fruity and spicy with soft smoke, caramel and oak, and the finish is medium in length, warm and lightly smoky.