Elements of Islay Ma3

Elements of Islay Ma3, 15 YO, 55.2 %

Time to try another whisky in the Elements of Islay series from Elixir Distillers. The Ma refers to the peated newmake from Bunnahabhain, which is know as Margadale. This is the name of Bunnahabhain’s water source and one of the names used for the peated newmake produced at the distillery. Margadale is peated to 35-45 ppm.

The Elements of Islay Ma3 is the third Margadale release in the series. It was distilled in 2004, and for the first three years matured in refill hogheads. Then for the subsequent 12 years it was aged in two 1st fill bourbon barrels. The total outturn was 734 bottles. See the official info here.

The Elements of Islay Ma3 appears to be sold out, but it did cost around GBP 71 up until recently. Keep an eye out for Ma4 which will surely show up in the near future.

Nose: Lighter on the peat than the Islay Peat. Wood smoke and light maritime notes. Fresh artisan bread. It has a green touch to it as well. More salty, briney and maritime by the minute.

Taste: Rich and full bodied. Chocolate smoke, pepper, nuts. ripe apples, light citrus notes, and a pinch of salt. Full on and BIG in character. Love this!

Finish: Medium to long finish. Big and bold all the way. Chocolate and toasted oak. Light maltiness.

Comment: A positively boisterous dram. Hurrah!

Score 91/100

Image from The Whisky Exchange.

Sláinte!
- Thomas