Elements of Islay - Bourbon Cask | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks. The whisky is a blend from distilleries located in both the north and south of Islay. The exact distilleries are not disclosed, but it's suggested that they could include Caol Ila, Bowmore, and Bunnahabhain among others.
Age Statement: No age statement.
Color & Clarity: Described as having a wonderful golden color, indicative of quality casks.
Bottle Design: The bottle appears small but is a full 0.7-liter size. It's described as thick, which makes the color appear quite dark. The whisky is bottled at 54.5% ABV without dilution, contributing to its rich color.

Balance of Flavors: A blend of peated and unpeated whiskies, resulting in a balanced flavor profile that is not overwhelmingly smoky.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its coal smoke, tropical fruits, and maple syrup flavor profile. The whisky starts oily and gentle, building up with vanilla and light spiciness from the cask, described as a friendly spiciness.
Comparison: Less peated compared to other Elements of Islay releases, making it a potentially good starting point for those new to peated or smoky whiskies.

Interesting Anecdotes: The blend consists of whiskies from undisclosed distilleries across Islay, adding a layer of mystery to its origin. Oliver Chilton is mentioned as the head blender, indicating his role in crafting the whisky's unique profile.

Islay Whiskies: Known for their peaty and smoky characteristics, Islay whiskies are celebrated for their complexity and depth. This whisky embodies the Islay tradition while offering a more approachable level of smokiness.

"Not too much smoke on the cork...sweet aroma, little vanilla, very good tropical fruits and a hint of smokiness."
"Not that smoky but intense and really an Islay style from the term of being complex, full, massive."

A blended malt Scotch whisky from Islay, matured in ex-bourbon casks.
Features a golden color, bottled at 54.5% ABV, with no age statement.
Flavor profile includes coal smoke, tropical fruits, maple syrup, with a balance of peatiness.
Less peated compared to other Elements of Islay releases, suitable for those new to peated whiskies.
The blend includes whiskies from undisclosed distilleries across Islay.
Celebrates the Islay tradition with a complex, full, and massive profile, yet approachable in terms of smokiness.

For Beginners: This whisky might be an excellent introduction to peated Islay whiskies due to its balanced smokiness and approachable flavor profile.
For Islay Enthusiasts: Those already fond of Islay whiskies might appreciate this blend for its complexity and the mystery surrounding its distillery origins.
For Collectors: The unique blend and the involvement of Oliver Chilton as the head blender could make this a noteworthy addition to a collection, especially for those interested in the craftsmanship behind whisky blending.