Flaming Heart Blended Malt 4th Edition — Whiskery Turnip

Apr 23

Apr 23 Flaming Heart Blended Malt 4th Edition

Whiskery Turnip

Scotch

Whisky: Flaming Heart Blended Malt 4th Edition

Country/Region: Scotland/Blended Malt

ABV: 48%

Cask: Oak

Age: N/A (Bottled 2012)

Nose: Acrid, maritime, black pepper, asphalt, charred wood, meaty at times, metallic.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, acrid, asphalt, candy sweetness, pepper, brine, charred wood and grass, more citrus toward the end or with water.

Finish: Medium-length with driftwood and cracked black pepper.

Score: 6 (76)

Mental Image: Jellybean Roadwork Collection

Narrative & Notes: Acrid and peppery, the aroma brought to mind asphalt flavored beef jerky coated in cracked black peppercorns. More charred wood emerged as the vapors settled, though the salty beef jerky remained. Occasionally maritime and a touch metallic, like rusted metal drums by the sea. Medium-bodied with a lovely oily mouthfeel, the flavors were mild and sweet with candied notions of road repavement projects, cracked black pepper, and a gentle brine. Acrid notions of an electrical fire gradually mellowed toward charred wood and grass. A touch of bright citrus and charred lemon rinds popped near the end, and a few drops of water emphasized them more. The finish was medium-length with driftwood and cracked black pepper.

This was fun, but I did not find the whisky’s meaty, sweet, and phenolic elements altogether coherent. There was some discord amongst the flavors, which seemed odd considering the blend was essentially Peat Monster with some additional Clynelish and assorted other elements. Peat Monster has never been particularly monstrous, but it is an enjoyably casual dram. Yet, this felt more acrid and peppery, almost as if someone had combined a bunch of young Talisker and Laphroaig (wait… was this just Johnnie Walk Black? No, no, it was several orders better than that…)

Overall, not a bad blend, but not something I would seek out. It felt oddly acrid and discordant for a casual whisky drinker looking to try something peated, but also not aggressive and loud enough for a true peat devotee to sink their teeth into.