Abhainn Dearg

Abhainn Dearg, NAS, 46 %

Another first for me today. I have finally tasted a whisky from Abhainn Dearg. This is the most Westerly distillery in Scotland, located on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. The name of the distillery, Abhainn Dearg, is pronounced 'Aveen Jarræk'.

Production started in 2008, and in 2011 they launched their very first 3 YO whisky. The miniature I have now bought and tested have very little accompanying information. On their website I see it described as a mini version of their inaugural single malt. From this I assume the whisky is merely three years old, but I am not sure.

The minis are sold at GBP 6,50 each.

Nose (17/25): Sugary and sweet. Powdered sugar, sweet wood notes, hint of alcohol, and massive oak - the sweet fresh smell of newly cut timber. I am thinking new make that has just been casked. Mint, peppermint and old herbs.

Taste (15/25): Very sweet, spicy and raw. This is not by far mature enough to be released, as far as I'm concerned. It comes across as bad after shave. Overly sweet, perfumed and minty. It actually burns.

Finish (15/25):  I am a bit discouraged by the fact that the finish is at least of medium length. Nothing really happens beyond the initial onslaught of burning perfume. This is actually bordering on painful. Lots of off-notes - it does not feel clean at all.

Balance (17/25): I really did try my best to find any positives to take away from this, but I ultimately had to give in. This dram is not mature yet. I will certainly try whisky from this distillery again. For all I know their products will be magical given a few more years.

Score (62/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas