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.