Cask Islay Cask Strength Sherry Edition

Cask Islay Cask Strength Sherry Edition, NAS, 59.9 %

This is the only cask strength product in the Casks of Scotland series from independent bottler A. D. Rattray.

The Cask Islay Cask Strength Sherry Edition is fully matured in sherry casks, and limited to 6000 bottles.

The official product page offers this insight into the casks used:

The intense Islay style is enhanced by specially selected Oloroso sherry hogsheads (casks that had had Oloroso sherry in them for over 20 years) from Tonelería Juan Pino, contributing bold, dried fruit notes to the spirit. Working in tandem, Oloroso sherry-seasoned wine casks from Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana (casks that had previously held Rioja red wine before being seasoned with Oloroso Faraon for around 2 years) complement the lighter notes of the spirit, by lending a more subtle, stone fruit character.

A bottle of the Cask Islay Cask Strength Sherry Edition will set you back NOK 898 (1579901) in Norway.

Nose: First off it is clearly similar to the regular Cask Islay, but with added sherry notes. The volume is perhaps turned a bit up on the aromas as well - cask strength and all. Creamy and smoky. Citrus and vanilla. Nuts and dried fruits. Coffee and toasted oak. Well integrated - no problem dipping the nose deep in the glass.

Taste: Full bodied and fiery! OK, the volume is definitely turned way up here. Spices, hot coal, warm ashes, zesty citrus, aromatic dried fruits.

Finish: Medium long finish. The sweetness, peat and citrus all find a common understanding and settle around the camp fire enjoying each others company.

Comment: Whoa! I endorse this product. It has my vote. Peat head? Get this. My guess is again that this is Caol Ila.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas