Lp1 - Elements of Islay - 58.8% - 50cl

Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky

A coalsmokey Southern Islay malt from a distillery with many friends. Exuberant, up-front bonfire character, with citrus and brown sugar notes - this is a must for peatheads.

Nose: Initially grassy, with hints of golden syrup. The peat is quite restrained at first, manifesting as woodsmoke lurking in the background. A clean, young character with aromas of meadows and a lemony citrus note. Develops sweet cinnamon, soot and clove oil. Water brings out more of the lemony notes and some unexpected, but not unwelcome, aromas of legumes and mint.

Palate: Sweet honeyed cereal and coalsmoke - a quite dramatic peat entry. Smoked cereal, brown sugar, bonfires and crushed pepper, which keeps up with what is becoming a roaring peat / coal inferno. Water tames it, emphasising the coal and brown sugar.

Finish: Very long, warm and spicy, with compensating honey as the intermingled peat and spices slowly fade.

Comment: An immensely enjoyable whisky, big and potent on its own, but takes to water like a duck. Delightful.