The 4 best whiskeys that are reminiscent of the sea

The 4 best whiskeys that are reminiscent of the sea

Clynelish 14 years old

There are not many distilleries on the east coast of Scotland. But that's not the only reason Clynelish stands out - it's the waxy character and serious aromas that make the Brora distillery so interesting. The style is based on old whiskeys from the 50s and 60s.

Il Clynelish 14 years old, like the other whiskeys of the distillery, it is based on uncultivated barley, which does not taste of smoked. Coastal malt mainly ages in American ex-Bourbon barrels.

Tasting the 14 year old Clynelish one is surprised at how salty this single malt is. The sweet and fruity notes, which often characterize Highland whiskeys, are barely pronounced: instead, the 14-year Clynelish is marked by notes of wheat, licorice and sour lemon zest. The mineral notes (“wet sand”) also resonate subtly. The finish is dry.

Talisker 10 anni

One of the most interesting maritime whiskeys comes from the picturesque Isle of Skye: rugged cliffs overlooking the sea, small fishing villages and the old Neist Point lighthouse. The sea here is never far away and for 10 years it has been an essential component of Talisker .

In tasting the Talisker 10 years is slightly smoked in the glass and demonstrates its origin with a fine salty note. The 45,8% alcohol content creates a powerful impression.

On the palate there are fruits such as pears, mandarins and raspberries, together with spicy notes that recall leather. The finish is slightly hot and spicy.
Anyone wishing to venture into the world of island whiskeys will find an exquisite companion in the Talisker 10 anni. 

The pleasantly complex malt combines fruity aromas with a good portion of smoke and sea salt. With this blend of components, Talisker 10 shouldn't be missing from any good collection of scotch whisky.

Oban Little Bay

I whisky single malt Oban they have been distilled in an old stone building in Oban Harbor since 1794. Oban is one of the few Scottish distilleries located in the center of a town. The distillery is simply so old that the city has grown up around it.

Oban Little Bay it has a typical coastal flavor, but not only: intense salty notes are found on the tongue. At the same time, citrus peels and dates are also present in the tasting. 

On the palate it is equally inviting, opening with pleasant tones of malt, citrus peel, splashes of the sea and notes of milk chocolate. Delicate notes of oak and spices emerge, with cardamom, ginger and cloves.

All in all Oban single malt is mild and therefore an excellent choice even for beginners.

Caol Ila Moch

Il Caol Ila Moch it's the perfect proof that maritime whiskeys can also be very smoky. The single malt of the Isle of Islay does not hesitate for long: with warm wood smoke, ash and notes of fire. But it is the distinctive mineral notes that make Caol Ila Moch a maritime whiskey: “Dry, almost dusty”, and there is also a good hint of sea salt in the smell and taste of the Moch.

Like many new bottlings, Caol Ila Moch comes in bottles with no age information, a so-called .. In this case, this is not a disadvantage: because the aromas of peaty single malt are even more intense and present than they are in a more aged version (i.e. well over 10 years) in oak barrels.

A smoked and brackish whiskey of great success for all those who do not shy away from the slightly more robust flavors of Caol Ila distillery.

What does a maritime whiskey taste like?

We've already mentioned some of the more common aromas of maritime malts - these whiskeys smell like the subtle spray of the surf hitting the rocks and taste like sea salt. The mineral notes are reminiscent of sand or rock. Seaweed and wet strings are also among the notes often found in maritime whiskeys.

Flavors of shellfish, seafood or even fish are less common. Most maritime single malts are easier for beginners to drink than some heavily peated Islay whiskeys.