A Trail of Smoke (House of Hazelwood), 42 YO, 46.5 %
This is an Island blended malt from House of Hazelwood. Matured in American white oak casks, and bottled at cask strength. Limited to 385 bottles
The A Trail of Smoke is available to buy directly from House of Hazelwood at GBP 1900.
Nose: Dark and sweet with a hint of wood smoke. Dried tropical fruits, pineapple, banana and mango, dominate at first. With time, citrus and creamy vanilla emerge, followed by honey and lemon sponge cake. A whiff of cut grass and dried hay adds a greener dimension.
Taste: Full bodied. Dirty and sooty, with candied pineapple providing plenty of sweetness. White pepper and a tiny pinch of Szechuan pepper add spice, followed by pencil shavings and marzipan. A hint of salt adds further contrast.
Finish: Very long. Dried mango and pineapple linger beautifully, before mint and eucalyptus bring a fresh lift towards the end.
Comment: Dirty smoke meets tropical sweetness.
Score 90/100
Sláinte!
-Thomas
