Isle of Harris Single Malt

Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.The 2019 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is understated on the nose, with predominately red berry fruit, wild hedgerow, orange zest and crushed stone. I appreciate the succinct manner this unfurls, with hints of Earl Grey emerging with time. The palate is quite peppery on the entry, with just a little chewiness—perhaps not as nuanced as the aromatics. Very concentrated, especially toward the slightly viscous finish, this flirts with exoticism rather than grabbing it with both hands. I wonder if there is a tiny bit of TCA here—it’s minuscule if there is.Drink 2027 - 2046Neal Martin, Vinous.com (December 2023)