42.43 - Smoky spicy red rye ale

9 years old, distilled 21st February 2008, 59.7% abv, First-Fill Ex-Wine Barrique, 302 bottles, dram price A

SMWS 42.43 - Smoky spicy red rye aleThe nose has plenty of smoke - dry, woody rather than peaty - and ryvita. The mouthfeel is thin with no cling. The body has dry smoke, black pepper, vanilla, plums and a hint of toffee. The finish brings smoke, ryvita and vanilla with a hint of plums.

Water brings out thin, lazily expanding whorling that settles into brief mottling. The nose gains more vanilla, some plum and greengage, and loses the rye. The body gains toffee and honeycomb. The finish gains more smoke and vanilla, and loses the ryvita.

A challenging and complex dram that will beguile the Islayphile. One for cold winter's evenings.

3/5