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.
Just tried. Excellent. Bought a bottle of ardbeg 10 and no comparison....smooth, fruity, less smoky than beg and more pleasant in general
This is a BIG whisky- Islay through and through. At 56%, it can take a fair bit of water so you can adjust to suit your taste. It has a long finish, too, so much so it's still there the next morning!
What a fabulous powerful yet well balanced dram. A very appropriately named single malt. Worthy of sitting on the side of Islay seafront and sipping this nectar in to the small hours. Please enjoy ?
Cask strength, so it will take a spot of water. Lovely dram for the dark winter nights. One to savour. Ridiculously well balanced, hints of fruit cake from the sherry, a whiff of smoke, pinch of salt with dark chocolate. It's rich without being overwhelming. A welcome stranger.
Really good mystery malt from Islay! Great value for money considering it is cask strength and has an age statement.
