Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke 1.2

Ailsa Bay single malts come from Ailsa Bay distillery, based in the same industrial location as Girvan distillery, which is famous for its grain whisky. Located in Lowlands, legendary Girvan was built in 1963 under the direction of William Grant’s great grandson Charles Gordon. Ailsa Bay was established in 2007.

This 1.2 Release called Ailsa Bay Sweet Smoke is their second single malt release and like the name suggests, it’s sweeter than the first release. The sweetness level has been increased from 11 SPPM (sweetness parts per million) to 19 SPPM. A criteria by the way, that’s been defined by their master blender Brian Kinsman who created Ailsa Bay single malts with his team. Peated to 22 ppm (taken from the finished whisky), initially matured in small ex-bourbon casks for 6-9 months, then moved to full-size virgin oak, first-fill and refill ex-bourbon casks for an undisclosed period.

Quite pointy at the start, sharp smoke with unripe pears. Very clean with oak and minerals. Addition of water gives more room for the oak, adding texture to it. Giving away orange peel and other tropical fruits. Very pleasant palate, lot smoother than the aromas or aftertaste. Full of fruits with hints of smoke. Drops of water makes it even fuller.