DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition
The Smoky Scot PX is a bold, peaty powerhouse that delivers a classic Islay experience with a sweet sherry backbone. According to the DRAM1 Tasting Panel this whisky is full of smoke, ash, and tar, and carries a big, round mouthfeel that lingers long on the palate. The tasting notes below have been combined from feedback from over 100 reviews from the DRAM1 Awards.
Winner DRAM1 Award 2025
The Smoky Scot PX is a truly deserving winner of the DRAM1 Award 2025. This Islay-style powerhouse delivers peat, ash, and tar with a perfectly balanced sweetness from PX sherry, creating a dram that is both bold and elegant. Its full, oily mouthfeel coats the palate with layers of smoky bacon, honeyed fruits, and gentle spices, while the long, warming finish lingers with a satisfying blend of smoke, toffee, and subtle maritime notes. The whisky’s complexity and approachability make it a standout, captivating both seasoned peat lovers and those new to smoky drams. The Smoky Scot PX is a masterclass in harmony between peat and sherry, a whisky that truly deserves its recognition.
Stats
Distillery: Unknown (Islay-style)
Age: 8 years old
Flavour profile: Smoke & Storm
Region: Islay
Whisky Type: Peated Single Malt
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Tasting Notes – Smoky Scot PX
Nose
The nose is strikingly smoky yet balanced with sweet undertones:
- Peat & smoke: ash, peat smoke, tar, subtle rubber
- Sherry influence: PX notes, honeyed sweetness, raisins, slight vanilla
- Maritime & earthy: sea spray, hints of iodine, damp wood
- Other aromatics: tobacco, leather, subtle citrus, light tropical fruit
Initially, the smoke is restrained, with the sherry sweetness coming forward. A drop of water opens up the peat, revealing layers of smoky bacon, medicinal notes, and a gentle brine.
Palate
The palate is full, rich, and robust, offering a classic peat-and-sherry interplay:
- Smoke & peat: campfire, ash, smoked meats, light tar
- Sherry & sweetness: caramel, vanilla, honey, PX dried fruits
- Spice & wood: pepper, subtle oak, gentle citrus zing
- Additional notes: brine, leather, roasted nuts, buttery undertones
Panelists noted a rounded, oily mouthfeel with complex yet approachable layers. The peat is assertive but not overwhelming, letting the sweet sherry and subtle fruit shine through.
Finish
The finish is long, warming, and satisfying, with:
- Lingering smoke & peat: bonfire ash, subtle iodine, soft tar
- Sweet sherry echoes: caramel, PX fruits, light toffee
- Spice and maritime notes: gentle pepper, sea spray, slightly herbal
- Overall impression: smoky, earthy, and persistently sweet with a delicate bitterness on the very end
It’s a dram that stays with you, the smoke and sweetness balancing beautifully from start to finish.
Food Pairing
The Smoky Scot PX pairs excellently with:
- Smoked or grilled meats: bacon, lamb, or BBQ
- Rich, aged cheeses: smoked cheddar, Stilton
- Chocolate desserts: dark chocolate or salted caramel
- Hearty stews: beef or venison with earthy root vegetables
Its peat-and-sherry character complements bold, savory flavors, while the sweetness adds an indulgent twist.
Verdict
Strengths
- Classic Islay peat: ash, tar, and smoke shine without overpowering
- PX sherry backbone: adds richness, depth, and sweet complexity
- Mouthfeel: full, oily, and rounded, very satisfying
- Finish: long, balanced, and multilayered
Weaknesses
- Subtle complexity: initial nose can be restrained
Final Thoughts
The Smoky Scot PX is a full-flavored, peaty delight, perfect for those who enjoy smoke and sherry in harmony. The nose opens with ash, peat, and sweet PX notes, the palate hits with a big, rich mouthfeel, and the finish lingers long with sweet-smoky balance.
A beautiful Islay-style dram that is bold but approachable, perfect for cold evenings by the fire or a barbecue.
Verdict: Highly Recommended – a smoky, sherry-infused knockout that rounds out the tasting set with style and power. This whisky won the 2025 DRAM1 Awards for a very good reason!
