Torabhaig 5 Year (2017) Club Reserve No. 2 Cask 114
Whisky: Torabhaig 5 Year (2017) Club Reserve No. 2 Cask 114
Country/Region: Scotland/Islands
ABV: 61.7%
Cask: First Fill American Standard Barrel
Age: 5 Years (Distilled April 2017, Bottled 1 May 2022)
Nose: Citrus and sea with mellow smoke and a touch of acrid burning herbs and wood varnish; oysters on the grill with lemon-scented cleaning solutions; cotton candy and saltwater taffy sat further in against some youthful spirited prickle; with water menthol and artificial orange joined the candied elements.
Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, bright brine and grilled oysters with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of chili sauce; more cotton candy and boardwalk confectionaries emerged with time; herbal spice and oak lingered in the background; subtle vegetal and melon rind, more so with water. Youthful and spirited, especially up front and on the finish.
Finish: Medium to long with brine, wood, subtle candy, and bright pepper.
Score: 6-7 (80)
Mental Image: Boardwalk Cotton Candy and Oyster Grill Cart
Narrative & Notes: I had mixed feelings about this whisky. I enjoyed the brine, burning herbs, and grilled seafood elements that appeared across the aroma and the palate. However, I found the aroma a touch too sweet and candied with artificial lemon and orange alongside cotton candy. Those notes were quieter on the palate but still present. Both were a touch spirited and youthful, though that was to be expected, and a few drops of water easily settled the peppery quality while elevating more fruits.
There was a lot to love here, but also some shortcomings— some of which reflect my aversion toward more saccharine flavor profiles than anything. Overall, I reckon it was a bit sharp for something I would drink very often, but the flavors were good and the mouthfeel pleasing, so this did nothing to diminish my interest in seeing where Torabhaig goes.
