Elements of Islay

This whisky is composed of an undisclosed blend of ex-Islay casks which have been finished in Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 56.8%. I’m a sucker for Islay whisky, so mystery blend finished in sherry sounds wonderful to me, but let’s see if this one works. The nose greets you first with a rich sherry note followed by tangy barbecue sauce covered smoked meats transitioning into fruits of grilled peaches, apricots and stewed cinnamon apples then dark chocolate covered candied bacon, burnt rubber, ocean brine and smoking matchstick with a medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with sherry grape must, caramel covered cinnamon apples, peaches then charred pork belly covered in tangy barbecue sauce followed by ocean brine, blazing tire fire, ginger, leather and moderate oak spice with a medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with a tire yard engulfed in flames, ocean brine, stewed cinnamon apples, caramelized peaches, dark chocolate covered raisins, candied bacon, and leather. This is probably not for everyone, but if you enjoy basking in the warm glow and enticing aromas of a tire fire by the beach along with some barbecue and a glass of sherry this will make you happy. In comparison with Ardbeg Uigeadail, Uigeadeail has more balance and complexity without the slight tannic and rubber finish of the Elements of Islay; however, in comparison to Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength, they are very similar and this could probably be labeled Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength Sherry finish. If there are other components in here, they are overwhelmed by Laphroaig, but it’s still a delicious drink. With the possible idea of what a Laphroaig Cask Strength Sherry finish would taste like, I think they should highly consider it for a future release. Huge thanks to @PBMichiganWolverine for the sample of this tire fire treat.