Here’s the latest German exclusive, available through Kirsch Import. It was sourced from the (ex-Coleburn) warehouses of Murray MacDavid and selected by the Wu Dram Clan. They’re quite open about it: The Peat Chronicles brings together Ardbeg and Laphroaig, both distilled in 1997. For the final stage it was transferred into Premier Cru Bordeaux wine casks.
The Peat Chronicles 27 yo 1997 – Blended Islay Malt (55,6%, Murray McDavid ‘Mission Gold’ for Kirsch Import 2025, Bordeaux barrique finish #1908041, 229 btl.)
Nose: leafy peat and broken branches, with hints of tobacco and leather, but also a moderately vinous, plummy sourness and a lemony note. Kippery smoke. Then hints of burnt forest fruits (blackberries) and orange peels, old wine cellars and nice medicinal whiffs (antiseptics, TCP). Seawater aplenty. The two blend really well and the wine doesn’t get in the way – really good so far.
Mouth: it shows a nice heap of peaty and sooty notes, brine, liquorice and tarry notes right away. Maybe slightly more chiselled and sharp than expected. Then drops of cough syrup, black pepper and hints of metal polish. Mid-palate there’s a more prominent winey footprint, including leather, grapes and subtle rubbery notes. Salt takes over after a while, along with pine resin, salted lemons and tinned sardines.
Finish: very long, with more earthy liquorice, salt, lemon and tar.
We know the Wu Dram boys are not too fond of red wine casks. However the level of wine turned out a little higher than expected here. The sooty peat makes up for most of it though. It should arrive in German stores soon, for around € 280.