Malts of Scotland Glen Peat Class 18 Year Old

In 2010 Malts of Scotland released two ‘standard’ bottlings, contrary to their regular range, which consists of single casks at cask strength. The first was the Glen First Class (say the name with a hot patato in your mouth and you’ll know which Speysider this is), the second the Glen Peat Class, which I’ll try today. It’s a blended (previously ‘vatted’) malt, consisting of 65% Ardbeg, 30% Laphraoig and 5% Bowmore. The spirit was married at birth, so to speak, meaning brought together at a very young age to receive a maturing of 17 years in the cask together.

The nose offers the best Islay can offer, nicely balanced too: peat, iodine, sea salt, slightly fruity and quite vegetal – I’m reminded of wild muchrooms in a forrest. The whole remains very soft, making it an ideal introduction into peated whiskies.

On the palate, it’s quite punchy, with the sea salt and sweet peat to the fore, a little citrus and coffee in the background. Pretty spicy too, with nutmeg and pepper.

The finish is lingering, feisty and sweet.

This Glen Peat Class, just like the Glen First Class and the in 2011 launched Glen Speyside Class and Glen Grain Class (notes to follow), should be available constantly. They are all bottled at a strength of 50% ABV and are each very friendly priced.