So this is going to be an interesting trip down memory lane for me.  I have seen this scotch in the store for a while and thought “wow, how cool the bottle looks like great grimoire”.  So naturally I didn’t buy it as I felt like a poser.  I’ve reviewed other scotches that reminded me of childhood memories because of the smell of oil paints, Testors model glue and the smell of new vinyl albums.  So now I tell you that I studied the occult too, spooky.  Yes everything from Allister Crowley, Israel Regardie and D. Kraig to the ancient Grimorium Verum.  Necromancy, “burning candles, incantations…” no human (or animal) sacrifice (lol).  So I may be enamored by the allure of the occult theme.

But wait there’s more.  This scotch kicks ass.  Wow, the aroma and flavor are out of this world.  First off it’s an Islay Scotch and I have liked every Islay I’ve tried.  It is unpeated so it doesn’t have that strong peat and medicinal flavor like other Islay scotches.  But it has everything else and then some.  I’ll try my best to describe the flavor dimensions below.

What I first notice about the aroma is the scent of oil used to thicken oil paints.  There is also a strong smoky spice to it, strong black pepper a hint of clove, turmeric and coriander.  The scent also reminds me of incense (but again I could be remembering rituals in my bedroom).  If I had to compare it to something I’d say the flower Night Queen, one of my favorite Indian incenses.

The taste is very strong.  There is smoke present but not peat or medicinal qualities.  For an unpeated scotch this does not disappoint.  It is every bit as strong as other Islay scotches.  It is quite spicy and not very smooth.  There is a sweet/sugar component to it closer to honey than any other flavor.  And much to my surprise I do taste a faint hint of peaches.  But most of all it is a smoky spiced flavor like in the aroma that dominates.

This isn’t an affordable scotch at approximately 375$ per bottle, so you’ll have to cast a few spells or make a talisman to get extra spending money, or hope for a generous gift for your birthday.  But this is a 23 year old 49.2% abv single malt from Bruichladdich, trust me this is a fine scotch and every Occultist should keep a bottle in their inner chamber.