St. George’s Chapter 9

The name’s a little misleading — this is actually the second whisky to be released from England’s only distillery. It’s only three years old so don’t expect too much depth but it’s a significant step up from the first release it’s made by legendary former Laphroaig distiller Iain Henderson and it’s peated so expect a treat. There’s not much happening on the nose with some fluffy fruit masking a touch of charcoal smoke. But on the palate it goes through the gears with melon and pear giving way to a wave of licorice before the peat kicks in and stays. It’s a bit like seeing a talented teenager try out for a sports team: lots of talent no obvious weaknesses but not yet big enough to front up to the first team and in need of some muscle. Nevertheless surprisingly balanced and rounded and a sign of good things to come. (Selected British whisky outlets.)