Braunstein Danica Whisky Peated

For their peaty whisky, Braunstein imports (a part of) their peated barley from the famous Port Ellen maltings on Islay. According to the owners, the spirit still contains around 30ppm when it goes into the cask. So it would be a mistake to expect an Islay type of whisky, of course. The smoke is prominent on the nose, with a salty touch, but the most important traits are of the sweet variety. Think caramel, breakfast cereals with pieces of candied pineapple and apricot. But also wonderful touches of wet leaves. Reminds me of a forest walk after a fierce rain shower. Mosses and wet wood. Wonderful. Soft arrival on the palate on sweet and dark fruit with caramel and quite peaty on rubber, salt and even some plasticine – which is not an offnote! The spices – pepper, nutmeg and some salt – are present here as well. The finish is medium long with a nice development of smoke, while salt and sweet battle for the final word. Interesting Dane, which I find better than the unpeated version. What a pity that it is so prohibitively expensive.