Wemyss Peat Chimney Whisky

I have been looking through my whisky cupboard, trying to find something new to drink, a dram standing around too long that needs some attention. Something interesting for me to write about. I am a huge Wemyss Malts fan, so let’s explore the Peat Chimney blended malt whisky today.

I especially appreciate the Single Cask releases from this innovative bottler. They always come up with wonderfully descriptive names for the bottlings, naming the releases after a “distinct taste profile”.

I have Lemon Sorbet and Peppered Biltong in my collection. How delicious does that sound! Some of the new releases include ‘Jam on Toast’ and ‘Cherry Bakewell Pie’.

Also Read: Mackinlay’s Whisky

Wemyss Malts was founded in 2005, and it has been independently run by brother and sister duo William and Isabella, who are family of the Scottish Wemyss family. There are three blended malts released in the series, as well as batch strength versions. They include The Hive and Spice King. They usually are available in SA and retail for around R850.

Peat Chimney is a blended malt containing more than 10 single malts, with the signature malt coming from Islay to bring elegant notes of sweet smoke, salt and peat. Peat Chimney was launched in 2005. It is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46%, same as all the Wemyss releases.

Wemyss Malts Peat Chimney Whisky Review

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Light and elegant smoke, bits of peat mixed with some sweet fruit. Creamy cereal and salty notes with hints of stewed prunes.

PALATE: Stewed apple, bits of spice and hints of smoke and earthy peat. Caramel sweetness, green notes and hints of pepper and malt. Medium body. Add water carefully. Just a drop or two to release more fruity sweetness. If you add too much, it drowns out any smoke.

FINISH: Medium length with fruity sweetness and citrus.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Wemyss Peat Chimney has a nice balance between fruity sweetness, smoke and peat. It is a gentle introduction for anyone who wants to explore peat and smoke.

I was hoping for a bolder mouthfeel and something with a bit more character. But that might be because I have been trying bold peaty drams this year that I was expecting something more memorable.

That is just me. The Wemyss Malt Peat Chimney blended malt is not a bad bottle, and we will probably finish it in the not too distant future. I might use this as a base to blend with other Islay malts to see if I can brighten it up.

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