Connemara 22 Year Old / Peated Single Malt

This 22 year old peated malt from Connemara appeared in 2014. It matured 100% on first fill bourbon casks. Just under 4000 bottles were released at 46%. It is only the 12th Connemara that I try, but definitely the oldest.

The nose is surprisingly soft, as if the peat is already matured out. I get mostly toffee, grass, oranges and lime, lots of earthy notes, ashes and vanilla. Green grapes and honey. So this is mostly fruity on citrus with only a touch of peat. Something of sunshine of gravel. But this is a very enticing nose, despite the fact that it shows little complexity for each age. Humble.

It is sweet and sour on the palate, with a fine body. Gooseberries, Granny Smith apples, grapefruit, vanilla, oranges and honey. The peat smoke is really discrete, but does give it some nice depth. Loads of spices, though. Even a touch salty. How lovely indeed.

The finish is medium long, bittersweet with a touch of smoke and a surprising floral hint. I get some liquorice at the death.

Good, but especially interesting Connemara, because softer than its younger brothers without losing character. Around 130 EUR nowadays, but gladly spent.

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