2013 Claxton's Exploration Series Peated Billy G 9 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Claxton's are turning out some lovely teaspooned malts, like this full-bodied, fruity and beautifully rounded edition that's bursting with zing and texture. ‘Billy G’ is a pseudonym for William Grant, which is where the spirit originally comes from but we're not allowed to name it due to cask covenants. The juiciness of the malt conjures red apple, ripe pear and dried mango. The peat is barely discernible, except at the very end, while the freshness of the delivery brings a Summertime feel. Sometimes a whisky as straightforward and delicious as this is all you want and need. Bourbon cask matured. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... All signs point towards this being a Dalrymple, the trade name for William ‘Billy’ Grant’s Ailsa Bay. Colour: white wine. Nose: smoked Williams pears over beechwood, with sage leaves, mint, borage, a touch of charcoal, tallow, small green apples, and a whisper of mezcal. With water: takes on a hint of crushed slate. Mouth (neat): sharp, well-defined peat with a distinctly herbal edge, modelling clay, paraffin, and mustard. With water: delightful, leaning a bit medicinal with notes of mouthwash, ashes, mild mustard, walnuts, curry, and manzanilla sherry. Finish: fairly long, drier, peppery, and smoky. Comments: I must say, these indie Ailsa Bays making the rounds lately are quite impressive. They could greatly bolster the distillery’s reputation over there at Girvan—if only the name weren’t kept under wraps. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Floral and buttery. Vanilla cream. Soft spiciness. PALATE: Sweet dessert flavours. Again creamy and buttery. FINISH: Long finish with some unexpected ripe fruit in the aftertaste.