Poit Dhubh 21yo (“Potch Ghoo”)
43% abv
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
“Connoisseurs Gaelic Whisky”
(tasting note from Oct 1, 2020)

Pronounced “Potch Ghoo” (black pot) – a Gaelic term for an illicit still. The Poit Dhubh 21yo bottle text promises aromas of vanilla, oak and peat. Unchillfiltered, but colored. Some reviews feel that Islay and Skye hold some sway in this whisky – if true, it promises to be a fine dram.

Colour
On first pour, the color is notably dark. It looks rich and decadent.

Nose
Smoke and bits of subtle peat on the first nose. A deep nosing gives bits of musty, earthy notes. A slow approach to the nose is floral, vanilla, some sweetness. Berries eventually come to the fore – strawberries, raspberries. There is strong field freshness here – slightly sun dried grass. The smoke and peat return, lightly.

After a sip, the nose is mostly peat and smoke. Dried, smoked earth packed into an oaken barrel. However, always able to pull back and pick out the berries that were grown in that earth.

A wonderfully evolving, delicate nose. It demands some attention, and is delightful.

Palate
First sip is all sweet, smooth, rich and buttery. Mostly sweet fruity richness, with some peat, some smoke. Full, rich mouthfeel.

Second sip, much stronger with peat. Sweet still, with a sherry cask character, vanilla, sweetness. Again that rich, full mouthfeel, perhaps a bit of a burn.

Finish
The sweetness of the sip starts to fade, with peat and smoke slowly taking over the finish. But a layer of sweetness clings to the mouth. It is a long, lingering finish. Very pleasant. Mostly sweet and fruity as the smoke recedes. Hints of salty finish at the very end of the dram.

Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a real delight. I loved the evolving nose – always a treat and I enjoy taking long minutes to discover the story. The peat and smoke are indeed subtle compared to the Islay standards, but they add a nice counterpoint to the rich sweetness. There is a consistently rich, buttery, almost decadent feel to the dram.

---