Sea Shepherd

Peaty, Leathery
2023-09-10

Sea Shepherd is a globally active environmental conservation organization, dedicated passionately to safeguarding the world's oceans and their inhabitants. In collaboration with Sea Shepherd, Kirsch introduces an Islay Single Malt prominently featuring the organization's emblem on its label. From a technical standpoint, Kirsch acts as an independent bottler and keeps the secret of the distillery of origin for this whisky. While Sea Shepherd is not actively involved in the production of this spirit, 10% of the proceeds from each bottle sold are donated to support their efforts.

Smell

What we experience here is precisely what the branding promises: a maritime and smoky Islay Malt. Upon the first sip, the cold, iodine-rich smoke leans towards the medicinal side. It is accompanied by a lovely salty sea breeze. Within this harmonious composition, we discover sweet hints of vanilla, licorice, and the fruitiness of apples and pears. This is complemented by a crisp citrus note.

Taste

On the palate, this whisky requires some time and perhaps even a second sip to fully showcase its array of flavors. Initially, the palate must acclimate to the cool campfire smoke. Once achieved, the malt unfurls with fruity-sweet apple notes and tingling limes on the tip of the tongue. A delightful malty sweetness envelops the palate, accompanied by a hint of blueberries in the back of the throat. All of this is cloaked in the almost peat bog-like peat smoke.

Finish

Characteristic of a smoky Single Malt, the taste lingers in the mouth for quite some time. At this point, the cool smoke and oak are quite pronounced. Hints of the fruity sweetness linger gently.

Thoughts

With its venture as an independent bottler, Kirsch undeniably satisfies the palates of smoky whisky enthusiasts. The flavorful yet straightforward taste profile makes for an excellent introduction to the realm of heavily peated Islay Malts. As for the 10% donation of the purchase price to Sea Shepherd, it's a matter for each individual to decide whether whisky can, should, or even must have a political dimension.

Rating: 74/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 71 | Sascha: 77)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Acceptable

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Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange

Further Information

Unfortunately, Kirsch does not disclose which distillery this whisky is sourced from. If we had to guess, our top candidates would be Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain.