Wemyss Malts - Spice King (2015)

Wemyss Malts send us a sample of the Spice King for the #WemyssTT4 to enjoy. This is bottled at 46%. Last year we also purchased a sample of the 12 and 5 year old, bottled at 40%. Looking forward to setting these three next to each other to compare. But first we dive into the 46% expression. What does Wemyss tells us about this range of blended malts?

The Hive uses a signature malt from Speyside, giving citrus and honeyed top notes. For Spice King, the signature malt we use is from the Highlands and Islands, to produce a whisky with rich, full and spicy top notes. Peat Chimney uses an Islay signature malt to give top notes of sweet smoke, salt and peat. 

Bottled at 46% alcohol strength and non-chill filtered, the new no age statement whiskies are robust and full of flavour like their aged counterparts yet offer a different take on the taste profiles. Three new ways for you to explore the whisky regions of Scotland. The range has 8 and 12 year old age expressions bottled at 40% to create smooth and rounded whiskies.

On the nose there is sweetness and spices with a rich vanilla creamy layer through it. Different fruits are detectable like red apple, plums, banana, mango and hint of fresh melon. Sensing a bit of a heather note on it combined with lavender and polished wood...

The palate is much like the nose. Rich, fruity and sweet. Filled with plums, honey comb and vanilla. Little bit of dates and raisins with a moorish undertone beneath the fruits and spices. Cinnamon, ginger, clove and laurel come to mind. A medium length finish that is sweet with a bit of chocolate, honey and baking spices. Scoring an 7,5 out of 10 for me.