Many whiskies have a story that anchors them to their region and category. Some whiskies tell the story of their distillery with an old or rich history, while other whiskies’ narratives are more abstract and attached to the distiller or blender’s inspiration for the line. The Gladstone Axe’s The Black Axe falls into the latter category.
The Gladstone Axe is named after William Ewart Gladstone, the four-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. “The Grand Old Man,” as he was sometimes called, signed the spirits act of 1860, which allowed the blending of malt and grain whiskies for the first time. This, understandably, had a huge impact on the whisky industry and helped pave the way for many of the Scotches we know and love today.
The “axes” of The Gladstone Axe and The Black Axe are nods to William Ewart Gladstone’s pastime of felling trees. The brand furthers this image by including a custom bottle that includes a raised image of a man with an axe standing next to a tree.
This detail on the bottle is only one facet of a slick, cohesive, and well-executed brand image. The website contains colorized photos of Gladstone as well as political cartoons from his time, creating a colorful, pop-art feel. The website also features custom cocktails for their whiskies as well as new spins on classic drinks like the mint julep and highball. But does the whisky itself live up to the hype?
Tasting Notes: The Black Axe
Vital Stats: 43% ABV, no age statement given, 100% malted barley. Bottles are generally in the $30 to $50 range at online retailers.
Appearance: The liquid is clear and a rich, dark amber color.
Nose: The malt show up first on the nose, followed by sweet caramel and vanilla. The smoke is subtle and shows up towards the end.
Palate: Taste is similar to the nose. The vanilla takes a back seat to the caramel, though. With the gentle hint of smoke, the caramel takes on an almost coffee-like quality that reminded me of a caramel latte. Apple, apricot, and spice notes play in the background. The Black Axe has an oily mouth feel, which helps it linger on the tongue for a medium-length earthy, peppery finish.
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