Are you craving a whisky that captures smoky island character with a smooth, coastal twist? Black Bottle Island Smoke blends peated malts and unpeated grains, delivering a bold yet approachable dram perfect for fans of maritime-inspired, smoky Scotch whisky.
Today, I look back at one of the delicious drams I tasted in Scotland while visiting family. My brother-in-law had a Black Bottle Island Smoke blended malt whisky open, and on the first night, we sat down with a glass of this while catching up on all the news.
I first tried a Black Bottle whisky in 2017 when I found the Black Bottle Original version in South Africa. Not long after, I found a bottle or 2 of the older version, which was still the peated version.
The Story Behind Black Bottle Island Smoke Whisky
Black Bottle Distillery was established by the three sons of the Aberdeen shoemaker, James Graham. The trio had started in the tea trade before moving to whisky blending, where their skills translated well. They created Black Bottle blended Scotch whisky, which was first launched in 1879.
The brothers named the blended whisky after the black bottle in which the whisky was sold. This changed in 1914 with the start of the First World War. They had to replace the black German-made bottle and found a green bottle that became the standard for many years.
Today, the brand is owned by Distell Group Limited, a subsidiary of Heineken N.V.. They also own Deanston, Bunnahabhain, Tobermory Distilleries, and the Scottish Leader whisky brands.
In early 2021, Black Bottle released the first two bottles in its Alchemy Series. The bottles were the Black Bottle Double Cask (a blend of malt whiskies finished in Spanish sherry casks and a grain whisky matured in red wine casks) and the Island Smoke blended malt whisky.
Black Bottle Island Smoke is a blend of around 20 different peated island malts and unpeated grains. There is not much information available on this release.
A further three Alchemy bottlings were released to the market during 2024. They were Black Bottle Captain’s Cask, Black Bottle Smoke and Daggers and the Black Bottle Andean Oak whisky.
Black Bottle Island Smoke Whisky Review
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Golden Red
NOSE: There are rich waves of smoky peat, salted caramel, and toasted wood on the nose. It has a mouthwatering sweet, tangy, slightly spicy burnt sugar note. Hints of dried cherries mix with damp autumn leaves and a touch of cinnamon.
PALATE: The Black Bottle Island Smoke has notes of peat, aniseed and cereal mixed with salty dried seaweed and wood fire smoke. There are bits of cardamon and pepper spiciness in the background, but it is balanced out by vanilla sweetness.
A buttery toffee oiliness coasts your mouth. We enjoyed the bottle without water. It has no alcohol burn, but you can add a drop or two of water if needed. The water brings more sweetness forward. Smooth and very drinkable.
FINISH: The finish was long and lingering with notes of salty air and toffee. Just lovely.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a delicious release. This whisky delivers a coastal, savoury-sweet experience balanced with subtle spice and smoke, offering a flavourful yet approachable dram. We pretty much finished the bottle that first evening.
The Black Bottle Island Smoke whisky is an excellent option for those who enjoy a peat-forward experience that remains approachable and well-rounded. Its unique texture and flavours make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy layered, maritime-inspired whiskies. A dram that quietly surprises and keeps you coming back for more!
Food Pairing Suggestions
For those who enjoy pairing whisky with food, Black Bottle Island Smoke complements rich, umami flavours. Try it alongside smoked salmon, dark chocolate, or blue cheese to enhance its smoky and sweet contrasts. It also pairs well with a robust cigar for a luxurious tasting experience.
Also Read: Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask Edition Whisky
