Wemyss Chocolate Honeycomb Single Cask Scotch Review (2013)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

As is the norm with Wemyss Malts’ line of limited edition, single cask scotches, the full information on Chocolate Honeycomb’s label is a bit much to swallow in one go. Like the rest of the line, Chocolate Honeycomb is a single cask, single malt scotch, part of a limited edition consisting of 812 bottles. In this instance, the scotch is a 12 year old (distilled in 2001, bottled in 2013) from the Islay distillery of Bunnahabhain, and bottled at 46% abv.

The Scotch
In the glass, Wemyss Chocolate Honeycomb has a rich, full-bodied gold color. They weren’t kidding when they labeled it “chocolate,” with a nose that smacks of deeply earthy, high cocoa content chocolate, but without the strong bitterness that often goes along with such things. Instead, the texture of the nose is buttery. The light presence of musty ash and a dash of sea spray rounds things out, giving it a fine degree of complexity.

If you have been wondering where the honey is, that comes out on the palate. That honeyed sweet side comes on strong, standing as big brother with the earthy chocolate side. The sea spray is there too, but after a second or two a powerful black pepper and wood note comes on, almost wiping the slate clean of everything else. That spiceness lingers as a peppery afterglow in the finish, with trailing warmth lasting for a decent spell.

The Price
The Wemyss Chocolate Honeycomb is listed for about £55 in the UK, which translates into $85 in the U.S.