Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added colorouring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 45.00
Official website: mactallawhisky.com
Vote: 86/100
After dealing with the Mara, its younger brother Terra couldn’t wait long to appear on these pages.
Released at the same time as the cask strength version, this Terra is identical to the first except for the lower alcohol content, which is 46%, guaranteeing that the whisky is not opaque since it’s not chill filtered.
The distillery’s origin is not revealed, but obviously the same applies as for the Mara.
Speaking of money, the price of the two bottlings is practically identical, leaving the enthusiast free to choose which one they like best, if not take them both home, which is easier…
Tasting notes
Straw yellow in the glass.
True to its name, the nose is strongly mineral and earthy, where more than in the smoke the peat expresses itself in its vegetable and saline soul, becoming pungent despite the modest alcohol content. Toasted almonds and fresh citrus fruits (lemon and lime) stand out against a rich fruitiness (peach, pear, green apple) where rough leather accents accompany the sweetness of vanilla cream. Touch of anise and bacon. Young and inviting.
On the palate, the peat component becomes more pronounced, still vegetal and coastal but with a more decisive and acrid smokiness harmoniously grafting onto the fruity (still pear and apple with banana and a slice of melon) and sweet core, vanilla and lemon cream, on which the lime continues to linger better than in a mojito. Anise and pepper vein the dram, with a hint of liquorice root.
The finish is quite long and peppery, savory, smoky, yellow fruit, cooked cream, lemon.
Less rich than the Mara, but with great balance and structure, which despite its obvious youth shows an enviable maturity and is all too easy to drink. Considering the price, it deserves to be purchased in pairs to discover the differences and personalities.