This blended malt is released by independent bottlers Elements of Islay which are a subsidiary of online spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange. The blend is comprised of two Islay malts which were blended together and matured in a single sherry butt.
Elements of Islay – Peat & Sherry, IB, 56.8%abv, press sample (available here)
The nose is, as you would expect, full of sweet peat. Red fruits, oranges and a slight ashy charr all combine together under the blanket of restrained phenols. There is a hint of wet paper and a meaty undertone.
The palate is rich and full, it is rather ashy with touches of flint. The meaty notes become slightly more prominent but overall it remains its sweetness. The honeyed hams give way to a faint woodiness. A touch of leather and of burnt toffee emerges along with the first feeling of sea spay, giving a wisp of casual character.
To finish it starts to dry out as some sherry tannins take over, leaving us with more ash, more coastal elements and a touch of coal dust as the sweetness fades.
A pleasant surprise, and very drinkable. For sub £50 and at a decent strength this bottle delivers some strong yet balanced flavours and represents decent value for money (insert minor grumble about being a 50cl here…)
You can find more of my tasting notes in the Amateur Drammers Archives.
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