Gordon Graham's Black Bottle Island Smoke

Black Bottle was created in 1879 by Gordon Graham and Co. based in Aberdeen. The three Graham brothers (Charles Innes, Gordon and David) original business was tea but they switched their attention to whisky blending. Soon the popularity of the whisky spread through the East Coast fisherman who favoured it on long sea journeys.

Black Bottle's name came from its original bottle design based on black German glass and echoing the traditional pot whisky still. In 1914, following the outbreak of war, production was switched to green glass as it is to be found today.

Black Bottle combines the finest of grain whiskies with malts from the seven distilleries of Islay, which form the heart of the blend.

In early 2021, Black Bottle kicked off its Alchemy Series with two tasty whiskies, including this blended Scotch whisky titled Island Smoke (as well as the Double Cask expression)! As you might be able to infer from the name, this is a rather smoky dram – definitely one for the peat fans out there! It offers up whiffs of coastal air, scorched oak, seaweed and more, alongside familiar vanilla-rich sweetness and flashes of spice.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Toasted cedar, earthy peat, subtle toffee and cinnamon hints.

Palate: Oatcakes, seaweed, salted caramel, cardamom, red chilli flake.

Finish: Lingering salty sea breeze.