My love-in with peated Turret continued throughout lockdown so I’ve high hopes for this 10 year old Society bottling that’s been matured in a re-charred hogshead.
Nose: Smoked meats and charcuterie boards join BBQ briquettes and freshly laid tarmac, whilst smoked cheese and cold cream sit with chewy nougat, burnt meringue and fire-pit toasted marshmallows. Throughout – wet bonfire smoke – packed full of still moist leaves and waterlogged fallen vegetation. The addition of water presents a filthier outlook – bicycle tyres, wellington boots and the fallout from some kind of industrial disaster zone. This is joined by strong aromas of barn yards and hay lofts – all roofed in thick tar.
Taste: The smoke is immediate and enveloping – log fires, industrial chimneys and road surfacings alongside crisp bacon, balsamic and clove studded ham. Ash pervades the mid-palate with salted toffee and a touch of sweetness from candy canes. Reduction adds caramel and hard candy to the smoke – a sweeter billowing of murky goodness.
Finish: Long with clove cigarettes, balsamic and grimy sweetness.
Yes, yes, this is indeed frightfully good. Dirty and incredibly expressive throughout – combining industry, nature and sugars with aplomb. There’s a precision in amongst the grime when enjoyed neat – but once reduced the training wheels are fully removed and this just screams filth. A very easy pick of the month.