Ileach Cask Strength

Ileach Cask Strength, NAS, 58 %

This is a product from the Vintage Malt Whisky Company. They have several peated single malt brands with undisclosed distilleries; Islay storm, Finlaggan and Ileach. They always source peated single malt from the same distillery for each of them, but each brand uses a different source. I have no idea what the source is for the Ileach, but I know this whisky has been matured in a mix of refill, bourbon and sherry, and it is peated to around 40 ppm.

The Ileach brand was introduced back in late 1990s, when the Vintage Malt Whisky Company was approached to create a peated product for the Swedish market. Since then it has become something of a success in several markets, including Norway. Finlaggan, by the way, was launched in 1992 when the Vintage Malt Whisky Company started up.

I reviewed a previous incarnation of this product back in 2015 (see review).

The Ileach Cask Strength is available in Norway at NOK 789 (9053301), and in the UK at around GBP 45.

Nose: Cool and fiery at the same time. Lots of peat and smoke here. Also meaty. Smoked meat. On the barbecue. Sugary sweet barbecue sauce. Vanilla and hints of tropical fruits in the background. With time earthy licorice and nuts.

Taste: Rich and full bodied. Fiery hot ashes and smouldering coal. Burnt and smoky barbecue meat. At the same time there’s also sugary sweet fruit notes here - tropical and exotic.

Finish: Medium long finish. Lovely caramel wood smoke. Peppery peat. Mellow and creamy.

Comment: If you enjoy young, fiery and feisty peated whisky, then this one is for you! I certainly enjoy this style of whisky.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas