Whisky Review/Tasting: The Six Isles Pomerol Finish

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: A blend of malt whiskies from six different islands in Scotland: Isle of Islay, Jura, Skye, Mull, Orkney, and Arran.
Type: Blended malt whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in Pomerol wine casks, which are from a sub-appellation in Bordeaux, France, known for intense, massive red wines primarily made from Merlot grapes.
Age Statement: Not specified.
Color & Clarity: Reddish-brown, natural color, unchill-filtered.
Bottle Design: Not described, but the whisky is noted for its natural color and clarity, indicative of its quality and the Pomerol finish.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced with a harmonious combination of smokiness, fruitiness, and a hint of spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its smoky flavor, likely influenced by Islay and Jura whiskies, with a peatiness around 30 ppm, increasing to 35 ppm. The Pomerol cask finish adds a distinctive fruitiness and a beautiful reddish-brown color.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique blend of island malts finished in Pomerol casks sets it apart.

Interesting Stories: The blend includes malts from six distinct Scottish islands, each contributing unique characteristics. The rarity of Highland Park casks and the anticipation of new distilleries on Skye and Arran add intrigue.
Production Process: The selection of 10 casks for a limited run of 3,900 bottles, and the choice of Pomerol casks for finishing, highlight the careful craftsmanship behind this whisky.

Historical Context: The Six Isles blend represents a cross-section of Scotland's island distilleries, showcasing the diversity of flavors and styles across these regions.
Geographical Significance: The use of Pomerol wine casks for finishing ties this Scotch whisky to the renowned wine region of Bordeaux, France, adding a layer of international influence to its flavor profile.

Horst Luening's Opinion: Praised for its affordability, complexity, and well-rounded flavor profile. The whisky is described as a "wonderful dram" that offers great value for its price.
Noteworthy Quote: "This is a wonderful drum. And well, you really pay less for what you get here. Really."

A blended malt whisky from six Scottish islands, finished in Pomerol wine casks.
Features a smoky flavor profile with a peatiness of around 30-35 ppm, complemented by fruitiness and a hint of spiciness.
Limited production of 3,900 bottles, emphasizing its exclusivity.
Celebrated for its complexity, balance, and value for money.

For Peat Lovers: The smoky, peaty character will appeal to fans of Islay whiskies.
For Wine Enthusiasts: The unique Pomerol finish offers an intriguing crossover for wine aficionados exploring whisky.
For Whisky Collectors: The limited run and unique blend of island malts make this a desirable addition to any collection.
For Adventurous Drinkers: The combination of diverse island flavors and wine cask finishing provides a novel tasting experience.