[55.2%・37 Years Old・Distilled in 1978・Bottled in 2016・Official Bottling・Limited Release]
Nose:
The heavy woody presence sets the scene, saphir renovateur along with a seaside influence as the seaweed breezes across. It grows savoury with notes of smoked meat and dry cured bacon, whilst a fiery and oily undertone gradually develops in the background.
Palate & Finish:
A well balanced delivery with honey and stone fruits interacting with the oak tannins and the crisp malt. Juicy and succulent with an oomph of spices muscling through, weighted with richness from the darker syrupy notes but still bursting with energy.
The ocean seasoned malt keeps stretching and twitching, the briny presence makes for a rustic maritime finish.
Thoughts:
The punchier notes we now associate with Islay whiskies have long been striped off but this somehow feels very Islay, perhaps, it’s the cold and unforgiving coastal vibe..
☆ [Recommended]
-Nicholas
WhiskNick 