“Forgettable”
Brand: Poit Dhubh
Bottler: Praban Na Linne Ltd.
Type: Blended Malt Whisky
Age: 8 Years
ABV: 43 %
Colour: Dark Amber
Nose: The influence of some Ex-Sherry casks is noticeable. I also find the same Cabbage note that I encountered in the 12 Years and in Island Malts like Arran and Jura. I used to think it was Sulphur but I have come to believe it is part of the Island Peat Aroma structure. Over time and with sufficient air contact, this Cabbage note becomes weaker. I also find Dried Fruit, slightly burnt Toast, Oak, Nut Shells, Sweet Malt, Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Toffee, Citrus, Leather, Honey, a sprinkle of Salt and some Talisker Pepper. The Alcohol is not fully integrated.
Palate: Sweet and slightly Thin Delivery with Toffee, Caramel, Wet Earth, light Smoke, light Sherry, light Honey, slightly Bitter Oak, Licorice, Orange, Menthol, Nuts, Cocoa, Salt and Pepper.
Finish: Short and Bitter-Sweet with Cocoa, Toffee, Earth, light Smoke, Licorice, Medicinal tones, Citrus, Pepper, Salt, Oak, Toast, Menthol and Floral Perfume.
I added a bit of Water and the Nose gets a little extra Honey, Citrus and Floral tones. Palate and Finish however become too weak.
Rating: 80.5
Nose: 20.5 - Taste: 20 - Finish: 20 - Overall: 20
Jan van den Ende March 6, 2015
General Remarks: Poit Dhubh (Gaelic for Black Pot or Illicit Still) is Blended Malt Whisky, partly matured in Ex-Sherry Casks. It was released in 1984 and is Non Chill-Filtered since 1992. It costs around 45 US Dollars. It is bottled by Praban Na Linne Ltd, located on the Isle of Skye (Hebrides) and founded in 1976 by Sir Iain Noble. It's still a family-owned company. There are also 12 - and 21 year old expressions of the Poit Dhubh. The 8 Years is not Chill-Filtered and sells at around 45 US Dollars (April 2005).
Drinking Experience Neat: Okay/Good
Conclusion: Easily the less impressive of the Poit Dhubh expressions. I suspect a higher percentage of Speyside Malts, matured in second or third refill casks. The Talisker influence is less noticeable when compared to the 12 - and 21 Years. As the price difference between the 8 and 12 years is not very significant, I advise you to stick with the 12 years. More value for money!
Jan van den Ende March 6, 2015
Photo credit: Whisky Journal DE
