Wemyss Malts Kiln Embers Scotch Review
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B+
(Credit: Wemyss Malts)
To mark their 10th year in the whisky trade, Wemyss Malts has released a follow-on to last year’s well-received Velvet Fig, a limited edition no age statement (NAS) vatted malt. This new vatted malt has turned to the smoky side, and is appropriately named Kiln Embers. In fact, it’s billed as being even smokier than the regular smoked-up Scotch from the company, Peat Chimney. In keeping with the usual practice at Wemyss, the whisky was bottled without chill filtration and at 46% abv.
The Scotch
The picture to the left has had a little Photoshop tint adjustment or some clever photographer’s filtering or lighting, because in the glass the whisky is a solid gold coloring.
“Aromatic” is the word that best describes what goes on after you get this into the glass. The scent is of the type that wafts up, out and goes traveling, carrying delicious notes of creosote across the room. Once you put your nose into that glass, you can also gather up solid notes of Sailor’s Friend-like spices, in the vein of piney cough drops.
The liquid has a silky texture on the palate, with a surprisingly powerful current of ash and spice dominating the flavor. It’s a balanced, bold mix of smoke with cinnamon, eucalyptus, and cereals.
The finish was something of a surprise as well, starting off warm, but winding down very rapidly to leave a light, spicy aftertaste. Not after-coat, but lingering aftertaste.
The Price
Wemyss Kiln Embers is set to retail for £42 in the UK (about $65 in the U.S.).
