Iniquity

Solera Single Malt Whisky - Peated Shiraz 500mL

Nose: The peat is intriguing and appealing - not too unlike a peated Scotch from the mainland, e.g. peated AnCnoc or Ardmore. The signature Iniquity fruit is here, and it's really well integrated. Salty, umami, fruity, tarry very appealing on the nose. Will the palate deliver?
Palate: The peat is sublime - again, very reminiscent of a sensational Ardmore. The fruit takes a slightly backwards step and allows the sweet malt to shine a little. The sweetness is extraordinary - beautifully tasty and yet never cloying or artificial. It very quickly becomes a palate that you don’t want to analyse, but just want to quaff and enjoy.
Finish: Sweet and incredibly long. Leaves a long footprint that is immensely satisfying and fulfilling.
Comments: This was a surprise packet, but what a bloody pleasant surprise As a nation, Australia hasn't delved too deeply into peated whiskies. I've long maintained that Bakery Hill Peated was the finest exponent in this regard, but I think we need to make room on the dais, because this just shot into gold medal contention. This is just SO imminently drinkable. The nose is both fulfilling and intriguing (yes, a paradox there) and the palate simply sings. The key word here is integration. A masterclass in blending, I have no idea what concoction of cask and spirit types went into this, but the result is one of the most drinkable, quaffable, enjoyable malts from Australia to find its way in to a bottle. I won't lie there's something oddly Scottish about this, and perhaps that's why this appeals to me, but by crikey it's good.
Andrew Derbidge