Cask Islay Small Batch

Cask Islay Small Batch, NAS, 46 %

Cask Islay Small Batch

Cask Islay is a release from the independent bottler A. D. Rattray. We know it is an Islay whisky, but we do not know which distillery it is. I got a chance to taste this whisky on my very first visit to Islay! A perfect combination.

This is what the bottler says about the whisky:

Having specially selected this single malt for its wonderful Islay characteristics, the complex and refreshing flavours will delight lovers of Islay whiskies, while its charm and charisma will tempt many to their first taste from this beloved west coast isle.

The brand and packaging has wide appeal with its pleasing balance of contemporary and traditional. When poured, the golden glow of the spirit is a promise of the warmth to come and the palate offers a journey from dry to sweet, with toffee, juicy barley and rich peat smoke.

Lively, peaty and full of flavor, CASK ISLAY is unforgettable.

The whisky is available in Sweden at SEK 499 (item number 84426). It is not available in Norway.

Nose (22/25): I was met by the smell of sweet smoke, banana sweetness, I think. Then the smell of wet wood on the beach mixed with menthol, dried apricot and wet ash. After a while it became more earthy, like a forest trail.

Taste (22/25): Fruity and smoky! Quite rich taste and a bit rough. I found the taste of apricot, licorice and salt.

Finish (20/25): Salt, gentle smoke, eucalyptus and cold ash. The aftertaste was quite short.

Balance (21/25): A balanced whisky with sherry notes. I do not think I dare to guess the distillery, but maybe you do?

Score (85/100)

Image from Whisky Intelligence.

- Tone