Sea Shepherd
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.
Tasting Notes
Nose
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 71/100
Sea Shepherd impresses with its smoky character and the salty sea breeze that make the drinking experience exciting and lively. For those looking to get started with intensely smoky Islay malts, this is a friendly companion with a pleasant sweetness – a whisky that’s fun to drink and tells a good story.
Sascha 77/100
The Sea Shepherd presents itself as a well-balanced Islay malt with a clearly defined maritime-smoky profile and an appealing balance between sweet fruit notes and cool peat smoke. Despite its complexity, the whisky feels somewhat reserved and needs time to fully reveal its aromatic spectrum – ideal for connoisseurs who value technical precision and harmonious composition.
Value for Money: Fair
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Why is the distillery of the Sea Shepherd whisky not known?
Sea Shepherd is released by Kirsch Import as an independent bottler who does not disclose the original distillery. This is common practice among independent bottlings to keep the source a secret.
How is the maritime theme reflected in the aromas of the Sea Shepherd whisky?
The whisky exhibits distinct maritime notes such as iodine-rich smoke, a salty sea breeze, and cool campfire smoke, which are typical of Islay malts and tastefully underscore the theme of the world’s oceans.
What impact does purchasing the Sea Shepherd whisky have on environmental protection?
10% of the sales revenue from each bottle goes directly to the environmental organization Sea Shepherd, which is dedicated to protecting the oceans and their inhabitants.