91
Score
The Gladstone Axe The Black Axe, 43%
Price: $35 ● Issue: Fall 2021 ● Reviewer: Jonny McCormick
Blended using a portion of peated malt from an undisclosed Islay distillery, this delivers a smooth and polished nose, deftly balancing honey sweetness with moderate peat smoke, supported by barbecued dry fruits and orange peel. Citrus, honey, and toasted pastry flavors, with flashes of dried apricot, tropical fruits, and grapefruit flesh, which yield before a delicious final phase of chocolate, malt, and cocoa usher in the dry finish.
