Today we’ll have a review of a new whisky release targeted at the x-mas/new year holidays shoppers. This time it’s another special edition from Wemyess Malts, Kiln Embers. Kiln Embers release follows Velvet Fig, its very successful predecessor, which I liked a lot and so I had high hopes for this one as well.
This time, Wemyss Malts took different approach and direction, almost 180 degrees of Velvet Fig, going west toward Islay and peat. Yes, it’s true they already have a peated whisky in their portfolio (Peat chimney), but this special edition boast double amount of smoky Islay malt. Let’s check what we have in store here.
Wemyss Malts Kiln embers (46%, 12000 bottles, £32.92/€39.90)
Nose: A very malty nose, smoky but the main note for me here was real young, almost new make like, peated spirit. Citrus and lemon, very young and very soft. Continue reading
Nose: Big malt note and very spirity at first. After a minute or two in the glass it’s sweet dark golden syrup (Treacle name playing psychological havoc on me) and stewed fruits lurking underneath it all. Not bad at all but I did get annoyed from recurring sprity whiffs. 
Nose: At first it’s malty and with some young spirit notes (almost new make). Then comes the sherry impact with light sweetness of dried fruits glazed with vanilla. After a minute or two, there are indeed sweet figs, dates, and the smell gets more sherried with cloves, dash of cinnamon and heavy concentrated nutmeg (almost bitter), then another wave of malt and vanilla (must be some active american oak casks in there) and chocolate. 
I grew up in the Stirling area of Scotland, went to St Andrews University and started my career in the beer industry with Bass Brewers (now Coors). I moved into the whisky business about 10 years ago. I now work in Edinburgh for the family owned independent bottlers, Wemyss Malts.
Whisky Gospel 