"Probably the most badass name for a whisky" says whisky blogger Steven Kramme

Our blogger Steven Kramme has tasted Båreleg's Battle Axe

Post by Steven Kramme

I've never heard of this whisky before. So it was actually very interesting to dive into what's behind the bottle and the name. But man, what a cool name for a whisky. Probably the most badass name for a whisky.

The two men Mackay Smith from Portnahaven and Donald MacKenzie from Port Charlotte have teamed up to make this whisky. Their company is called Islay Boys. The two adventurers have traveled the world - from New York, Paris to Zanzibar, and it is from their travels around the world that they have drawn their inspiration for the whisky.

They compare themselves to the two Vikings Ketill Flatnose and Magnus Barelegs. The two Vikings were also adventurers, and during one of their journeys they settled in Scotland. It's the mix of their travels and old Viking traditions that inspires them. It is from the Vikings that the name of the bottle comes from.

These are all fun stories, but are they any good? They've certainly won a few awards at the IWSC. Their Bårelegs Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Flatnöse Blended Malt Scot ch whisky - Flatnöse Blended Scotch whisky have all three won silver medals in 2017 and 2018. A gold medal for their blended in 2020.

The whisky is priced at the very reasonable end of the spectrum. You could easily get together with friends and buy the whole range for a tasting. However, they don't say which distillery the whisky is from. You can only guess.

Back to Battle Axe! Islay Boys cask strength whisky at 55.7% alc. In the glass, it seems quite oily with a nice light grain yellow color. Nice to look at.
Nose:
There is a fine aroma of fruit. Sweet notes from pear in particular are evident. A little vanilla sneaks in between the fine smoke. It is nicely balanced without being overpowering. A bit of oak can also be sensed. I think it seems super delicious.

Pallet:
Really nice flavor. The fine smoke is still there and lingers long in the mouth. A little rose pepper, tangerine, dried fruit. There is the taste of a little sea and seaweed. Not much but a little. The burnt from a toast can also be sensed. Altogether very delicious.

Finish:
It lasts for a long time. The smoke wants to keep coming out. It leaves a really good impression. Again, I have to say that it is balanced.

Islay Boys has found some exciting whisky from Islay. I think it is super interesting what you have found. If I were to introduce my friends to Islay whisky, it would be obvious to taste this whisky. I am impressed that they have managed to balance everything. Usually you associate Islay with strong aromas and flavors, but here they hit something that is very delicate and delicate. The high alcohol content of 55.7% is never a problem. It can be a little intimidating if you're not used to drinking whisky. A thumbs up from here.

Sláinte

Steven Kramme