Atom Labs is a small team that is constantly busy innovating in the world of spirits, making the next big thing – or maybe it’s the big thing that’s after the big thing which is next. Honestly, we’re not always sure how many big things ahead they are. But what is for definite is that Atom Labs is an innovator, not a reinventor. You only need to look at the likes of Jaffa Cake Gin, Burnt Ends Blended Whiskey and Central Galactic Spiced Rum to know you should expect deliciousness galore, but be ready to be surprised!
Atom Labs
This whisky was tasted during an Atom Labs whisky tasting.
Appearance
A slightly oxidised and burnished copper in colour, it beads up on the thick swirl line, has syrupy teardrops on the glass and medium to thick legs.
Nose
First off, ABV, nice and punchy here. Pickle juice starts us off, quickly joined by some menthol, which makes it initially sweet smelling. Cooked salty bacon and a medicinal aromas next, Islay is calling. Perfume, cloves, pontefract cakes, figs, dunnage and earthiness, old style shoe Polish, wood varnish and pine needles also. It’s pretty complex to be honest, I could easily spend an hour or two breaking this apart. Before it moves onto the finish I’m going to add a light Virginia tobacco note and cream soda.
Palate
We have a super oily/syrupy mouthfeel here, it’s delightful in that regard. Cooked salted bacon is here, BBQ sauce too, and a touch of tea. Red berries, rose flavoured Turkish delight chocolate bars and a faint hint of Germoline and sticky plasters often found in Islay malt whiskies. The sherry cask brings spices and dark fruits. Mince pie filling and christmas pudding all day long, warming spicy ginger and cinnamon too, it’s rather inviting.
Finish
It’s long, warming and spicy, oily and syrupy. Dark chocolate, ginger, oak, dates, dandelion and burdock, black treacle, tobacco leaves, black liquorice, and a touch of black pepper and grapefruit, and some slight drying with cranberries, Very nice indeed.
My thoughts
This is a belter of a whisky in my humble opinion. The peated Islay character is really nicely balanced with the sherry cask influence, neither dominate, but are easily accessible too. I find it inviting, warming and embracing. Having tasted the Islay whisky on it’s own in the cask strength Seaweed & Aeons & Digging & Fire, it’s fascinating to see exactly what the 6 – 9 months spent in a sherry cask has brought to this bottling.
Would i buy a bottle?
I have to say it’s a no brainer for me, it’s cask strength, it’s packed with peated Islay whisky, it’s rich and bold, with sherry spices, all for a smidgen under £60, i’d say that’s a good deal these days.
Notes – This whisky is presented at natural cask strength, natural coloured and non chill filtered.
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