Williamson 2013 11 YO cask #216 (Berry Bros & Rudd)

Williamson 2013 11 YO cask #216 (Berry Bros & Rudd), 58.9%

Distilled at an undisclosed distillery on the Kildalton shoreline on Islay, and given the codename “Williamson”. My money is on this being a Laphroaig in disguise.

This whisky was initially matured in a hogshead, and then finished in a single ex-Oloroso sherry cask (cask #216). Limited to 307 bottles.

The Williamson 2013 11 YO cask #216 (Berry Bros & Rudd) goes on sale later this week in Norway at NOK 1719 (18893901).

Nose: Sweet and fruity notes open the show, soon grounded by deep bass notes of malt, peat, and smoke. With time, smoked bacon and a salty sea breeze add savory complexity.

Taste: Full-bodied with a touch of rogue charm. Black and white pepper lead the charge, followed by iodine, smoked meat, and a robust combination of rich wood smoke and peat. A delicate hint of sea salt ties it together.

Finish: Medium to long. The brininess takes center stage, warming into peat, soot, and hot embers. Smoked meat sizzling on a barbecue emerges, with subtle hints of citrus and a cool, softly herbal finale.

Comment: Ruggedly captivating! 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas