Kornog is a French peated whisky made by Celtic Whiskey Distillerie . They also have an unpeated line called Glann Ar Mor, but I do find their peated lineup more interesting, and quite lovely – too bad I have not tried any of them recently. As it seems Sukhinder the owner of TWE is quite fond of Kornogs, and this is why this special cask is a part of his 50th-anniversary celebration line of whiskies.
This Kornong comes from a refill Pedro Ximénez butt and is bottled at a nice 60,5% abv.
Kornog 6 yo 2016 , 60,5%, OB , refill Pedro Ximénez butt
Nose: Very very nice, with lots of bonfire smoke, sweet aromas of cured meats, and some coastal influence too. If this was handed to my blind I would have guessed it to be an Islay (most likely Lagavulin taking into account the bonfires) peated whisky aged in sherry – very nice!! There are also some farmy notes in this one in addition to wet hessian, and the sherry influence, if not very strong, is quite apparent with singed plums and chocolate, and maybe sweet meat marinade. Lovely nose. I must admit.
Palate: Nice peaty entry with a peppery tang, some mint, and then a nice note of smoked meat in sweet marinade. The sherry influence comes next with sweet ripe cherries, smoky dates, tarry ropes, and quite a bit of earthy notes, peat embers, and soot.
Finish: Long with tobacco leaves, earth, peat embers, pepper, and mint with a touch of licorice.
Conclusion: Very very good stuff. This Kornog gives most peated Islays a fair fight!! with a great nose, that can trick you into thinking this is an Islay-peated whisky. A lovely choice of cask if I might say so. Recommended for you peat lovers who appreciate a nice peat-sherry combo.
Score: 89/100
Still available on the TWE site for £99.95