Spirit Type: Whisky

Country: Scotland

ABV: 46%

Bottle size: 70cl

Description:

The peated single malt brand Cù Bcan is produced by the Highland distillery Tomatin distillery. The creature known as the Cù Bcan, a ghostly canine-like creature that appears and wreaks havoc once every generation before mysteriously vanishing in a puff of blue smoke, is the source of the name.

Although it has been available since 2013, a significant relaunch was just recently announced. The relaunch includes two new core range items as well as new bottle and packaging designs created by Thirst Craft to "highlight the traits of the contemporary spirit." At Tomatin, Cù Bcan is made with Scottish barley that has been mildly peated for a brief period of time each winter.

The renamed Signature Malt, which is aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and American virgin oak casks, is part of the new core line, along with the new expressions Creation #1 and Creation #2. While Creation #2 has been aged in ex-Japanese shochu and ex-European virgin oak barrels, Creation #1 has been aged in a blend of an ex-imperial stout and ex-Moscatel wine casks. All are naturally colored, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46% ABV. The hue is light gold, and the perfume is an intriguing blend of sweet and savory notes. Along with earthy and woody flavors, there are pronounced honey and golden syrup aromas. Cloves, dried apples, and chalk are combined with hints of cream soda, gingerbread, and damp charcoal.

This whisky immediately has a biscuit-like flavor that tastes like slightly burnt biscuits on the mouth. Then a wash of honey and vanilla with a hint of tart green apple juice follows. The peated or smokey quality is most noticeable as a wet, acrid, and earthy feeling. A pronounced gingerbread flavor and some fresh oak provide the warmth that envelops the palate. Some depth is added by the lingering flavors of cream soda, sherbet, marshmallow, and lemon juice. The conclusion is brief. Only the earthy smokiness clings around for a while, leaving the mouth with a warm warmth.