Behold, batch 4 of Seaweed & Aeons & Digging & Fire & Cask Strength, weighing in at a hefty 58.3% ABV. This expression is made with a 10 year old single malt from Islay (no hints as to which distillery, mind), with 25% of it having enjoyed a stint in sherry casks, lending some welcome sweetness to the earthy, smoky, robust whisky. The bumped-up ABV of the cask strength edition adds some weight behind it all, making for a full-bodied, satisfying, intense expression. Plus, an extra ampersand, which may be the most exciting bit of punctuation out there, only contested by the at sign.
Roasted fruit and driftwood notes jump out of the glass, with hints of apricot jam on oatcakes and gingerbread in support.
The coastal core remains solid on the palate with seaweed and flaky salt, mellowed slightly by waves of sultanas, dates, and a touch of mocha.
A meaty hint lingers on the finish, with cinnamon and chocolate peanuts.
There's loads to love here, from the powerful coastal influence to the flashes of sherried brightness.
This is a great whisky. Really individual, complex, flavour. As a warning the salty goodness at the start of sip makes this incredibly moreish.
My god, this is a good whisky. Full flavoured with a chilli kick. Wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic for the price! Shame I can't get another bottle.
Strong taste, a little bit like Corryvreckan.
This is REALLY good stuff, an absolute steal. Even a wisp of smoke on opening! Just a beautiful nose, sweet, smoked fish and dare I say cheesey, similarly to an Octomore. On that, my guess is Bruichladdich, but could be Lagavulin. Excellent palate too. Big sherry hit, lots of dark dried fruit, quite tannic, dark wet soil, umami. There's a nice, pleasant organic quality to it. "Digging" is really apt, but this is pleasant, earthy soil. The smoke is more gentle but still quite forward. Drifts away beautifully. After adding just a few drops of water... whoof. A minty opening on the nose, brings that meatiness to the fore. Tiny bit of coffee comes up on the palate, dark chocolate. Complex. Also for cask strength this is actually perfectly fine as it is. No harshness. For the price it's amazing. Up there with way more expensive offerings. Exceptional stuff. Well done Atom Labs, genius sourcing! Bought on sale at £39 which is practically stealing imo, at £50 this is still a big hitter for the price.
