Sheep Dip Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky NV / 750 ml.

The silly name of this delicious, hard-to-put-down blended Scotch supposedly is derived from the days “when farmers hid their home-made whisky from the nosey excise officers in barrels marked ‘Sheep Dip.’” Made with a blend of 16 single malts from the four major whisky regions, this has an intense apple aroma and flavor, overlaid with a faint curl of smoke. The earthy smokiness grows on the finish, with intriguing dry and savory notes, like baker’s chocolate and brine. Pair this with crumbly aged cheeses.

There has been an excellent streak of Islay blended malts recently, and here is another worthy contender from the Spencerfield Spirit Company. This one offers the sizzle of bacon fat, thick clods of peat, cocoa, and breezy smoke. The rounded palate has sweet satsuma, spice, generous malty notes, and burnt caramel. The wafting smoke builds until it engulfs the back of the palate. You will be wanting one of these.