Glen Els Ember

The Ember, the second expression in the Glen Els range, matured on the same plethora of casks as the Journey with the exception of the Madeira casks. This one contains 40% woodsmoked malt and was bottled at a slightly higher strength. It is a bit lighter in color.

It is sweet on the nose, mildly smoky (woodsmoke) and very sweet. I get vanilla and milk chocolate in my mind’s eye. That chocolate is filled with raisins and dried plums, you know? Loads of caramel. Again a lot of spices with cloves in the lead. It is a lot less fatty and softer than the Journey.

On the palate, it is creamy and rough at the same time. First I get a fruity note (raspberries?), then some vanilla and toffee. The spices whisper, to be honest. And while this one has more woodsmoked malt that the Journey, I find it less smoky. More tannins tough. Oh, wait… there it is, with the second sip! Cloves, nutmeg, vanilla followed by a development of smoke that makes you feel as if you are standing around a firepit. Nice!

Wonderful, long, sweet, spicy and smoky finish.

It seemed a bit shy on the nose, certainly less outspoken than the Journey, but on the palate it suddenly explodes. What a lovely discovery.