It’s quite difficult to get much information about William Peel on the internet. Its Speyside distiller has no website of its own, and I could not even find it listed on the exhaustive MasterofMalt index.
I did not spend much time with this malt, sharing a single bottle between many friends. Thus this is more an encounter than a full-fledged review. I certainly would love to revisit it, as its calm Speyside notes were quite palatable indeed.
On the nose, the malt is apricot, butter and pepper-syrup. I found wafts that I previously identified with the splendid BenRiach 21 YO. Adding even a little water blunted the nose considerably, but certainly gave it a very Speyside-ish nutty character.
On the palate, taken straight, the whisky is syrupy, floral and light. Hints of vanilla emerge better when a splash of water is added, which also rounds the malt up well like any Speyside produce. It is to note that this malt is non-chill filtered, which makes it strange that it is bottled at 41% ABV. Non-chill filtered malts are usually 46% ABV and upwards. The finish is long and distinct, leaving a dry-citrusy aftertaste in the throat.
The labelling of this whisky tries to suggest that it is a Glenlivet, but it only refers to the region where it is distilled. It is not to be confused with The Glenlivet, but that takes nothing away from its own distinct, quite satisfying character. I would like a bottle of this in my collection, for the more relaxed, low-key evenings with just a few friends.
Notes
Eye- dark barley, possibly caramel-coloured Nose- apricot, butter, pepper Palate- syrup, vanilla, light floral Finish- long, citrus ABV- 41%