Svenska Eldvatten West Islay 2003 Heavily Peated

Svenska Eldvatten West Islay 2003 Heavily Peated, 10 YO, 60,8 %

The wonderful guys at Svenska Eldvatten (Peter and Tommy) are at it again. In May they will release the West Islay 2003 Heavily Peated in Sweden. This whisky was distilled in October 2003, and bottled in October 2013. Matured in a rum cask (cask #882), which we do not see very often. The outturn was 120 bottles.

Being heavily peated and from west Islay, there is really just two possibilities; Kilchoman and Bruichladdich (Port Charlotte). Then again this is a 2003 vintage, so older than Kilchoman (established in 2005). Therefore we conclude that this is a Port Charlotte.

West Islay 2003 Heavily Peated will be available early May at Systembolaget at SEK 895 (item number 40472).

Nose (24/25): My nose is immediately hit by a barrage of sweet notes - fruity with clear rum influence. Then comes the mighty, peaty uppercut! This whisky certainly packs a punch. It is a heavy weight also, rich and full-bodied. It might not be very complex, but what it does - it does very well. There is a fine balance of the sweetness and peat here, as they dance across the canvas.

Taste (23/25): The fullness, the full-on sweetness and peat, carries over from the nose. It has an almost sparkling mouth feel. There's a lot of ginger, chocolate, sugary notes and some mild caramel here.

Finish (22/25): The finish is much like the initial taste. More sweetness and peat all the way. It is medium long and quite warming.

Balance (23/25): Another very fine effort from the guys at Svenska Eldvatten. This is one of the absolutely best expressions they have released so far. If you like peat, and you like your peat sweet - then look no further.

Score (92/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas