The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe Blended Malt (70cl, 41%)

The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe is a peaty, spicy blended malt bottled at 41% ABV. It is made entirely from malted barley and aged in oak casks, with ex-bourbon casks noted. The blend draws on malts from 14 Highland and Islay distilleries, with a larger share of Islay whisky bringing smoke and spice. The embossed bottle shows former British prime minister William Gladstone on the label, holding an axe. The nose is bold malt with vanilla, toasted oak and woodsmoke. The palate has sweet caramel, delicate coastal peat smoke, floral heather and oak. The finish is gentle peat, toasted malt, charred oak and a sea breeze.