Introduction
Older peated whiskies have always intrigued me. There's something compelling about how smoke softens over decades, making room for subtler layers. When I came across this 27-year-old blended malt from Murray McDavid's Peat Chronicles series—bottled exclusively for Germany—I was curious to see how the peat had evolved and what remained after nearly three decades in wood.
Nose
On the nose, the age is immediately noticeable. The peat is still there, but in a very relaxed form—more of an echo than a shout. There's a wispy coastal smoke, like damp firewood near the shoreline, and underneath it, a mellow fruitiness: poached pears, stewed apples, and a hint of baked citrus. There’s also something slightly medicinal, but much gentler than younger Islay malts. Vanilla cream and dried herbs round it out. The aromas feel integrated and mature, not loud or sharp.
Palate
Tasting it confirms what the nose offered—this is a whisky where time has sanded down the rough edges. The smoke comes in early but softly, accompanied by toasted barley, dark honey, and dried tropical fruits. A mineral note runs through the sip—almost chalky—which works well against the lingering peat warmth. I also noticed a bit of candied ginger and a touch of leather, adding just enough spice to keep things active on the tongue. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied and not too oily, but very smooth with zero harsh bite.
Finish
The finish is long and calm. Smoke and saline fade gradually alongside faint ash and waxed fruit. There’s a nutty tone, like almond skin or cashew, and a final touch of tobacco leaf. Time doesn’t feel rushed here—everything disappears slowly and in balance.
Price and Value
Considering its age and the good condition of the cask influence, I found this pleasantly priced in comparison to many other 25+ year old peated whiskies. Of course, it’s still a premium bottle, but the quality is there to justify it. The complexity isn’t aggressive or showy, but it holds your attention in a subtle, satisfying way.
Background
This release is part of a limited Peat Chronicles range from Murray McDavid, independent bottlers known for their innovative cask finishing and blending techniques. The whisky is a blended malt composed of several important peated distilleries—though they don’t name names—and it was matured in refill bourbon casks with a small finishing period in wine casks. The low influence of the finishing cask suggests they used it cautiously, letting the long-aged spirit remain in the foreground.
Murray McDavid are based at the Coleburn Distillery, though they no longer distill on-site and work primarily as curators and blenders. Their commitment to transparency and quality blends comes through clearly here.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? If faced with the decision, I would. The combination of high age and gently persistent peat is unusual and well executed. It’s not a bottle I’d rush through—rather, it invites quiet sipping. Is it beginner-friendly? Not particularly—not because it’s too intense, but because its strengths lie in subtleties best appreciated with some whisky experience. It’s a contemplative dram, one that’s easy to overlook if you're looking for bold flavours.
This whisky suits cool evening moments or slow weekend pours. It also stands out among other peated expressions from Islay because of its maturity and polish—less about power, more about quiet presence. If you’ve had younger peated whiskies and wondered what decades might do to them, this is a rewarding answer.