My special thanks goes to Michael S., who was so kind to provide me with this generous sample.

Facts

The Six Isles 10 Years Old Petrus Gaia Finish ( 2003 / 2014)

Nose

Light smoke with medicinal touches of iodine and muslin bandage rolls. Accompanied by salty bacon in vinegar sauce. Hints of finely chopped herbs, heather and fruity red wine in the background. Altogether rather light and subtle, but very well arranged.

Taste

Strong entry to the palate with not so subtle smoke anymore. In fact, the smoke is pretty strong now, with earth and ash mixed in as well. Yet very well balanced by a soft and sweet wine. Candied oranges and pink grapefruits. A touch of ginger for a bit of added kick.

Long

Surprisingly long. Again a very good balance between smokiness and sweetness, with hints of pepper, ginger and bitter grapefruits.

Overall

Superb! The strong smokiness on the one side and the soft sweetness on the other side go well along with each other. Pretty much the best of both worlds.

Score: 90 / 100

As the name suggests, The Six Isles contains six different single malts, each one from one of the whisky producing Scottish islands, but no grain whisky, thus making it a Blended Malt (or a Vatted Malt in the good old days).

Facts

The Six Isles

Nose

Lots of iodine, but well integrated. Accompanied by apples, pears and touches of heather and floral honey. Now some sea salt comes through. Altogether surprisingly varied and entertaining.

Taste

Creamy, soft and sweet. Cold ash settles down in the mouth. Hints of caramel and vanilla, followed by a slight pepperness and very little oak.

Finish

Medium with a bit of cold smoke.

Overall

While this Blended Malt might be neither a smoke bomb nor a taste grande, it is well balanced and clean without a lot of oak influence. A felicitous composition of the different single malts involved.

Score: 86/ 100