This blend is part of Diageo’s 2018 Special Releases. It’s called “Cladach”- which translates as “shore”, in Gaelic. Unlike their previous blends normally released annually with the other special releases: Collectivum- this is a blend of whiskies from Diageo-owned, coastal distilleries: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Lagavulin, Oban, Inchgower and Talisker. It’s a deep and dark gold in the Glencairn and forms tiny beads when you spin the glass. It’s very oily and took nearly a minute to form the thick, slow legs. It’s bottled at a robust 57.1% ABV and costs a ridiculous $168. The nose delivers on the name almost immediately, with maritime sea spray and salt. Soggy peat, pine and citrus keep the theme intact for the entire nosing experience. There’s heat and an occasional waft of juicy berries. They are hard to discern, but will reward the patient drinker. The palate, again, continues to nail down the theme: Earthy peat and sea salt dominate here. Hints of citrus and light smoke keep me tuned into Lagavulin and Talisker. Late into the sip some sherry slides across the tongue in a malty and harsh rush. The high ABV really makes concentrating on nailing down flavors a chore. It’s just way too hot out of the bottle. Water is almost a necessity- and, yes- I hate that. The finish is spicy, salty and hot. A long, briny note resonates through your entire mouth and down into your belly. Think slamming back cold, raw oysters. Now, I love oysters- just not in my whisky. It’s a rough way to finish. Overall, this one is for hardcore islanders. Not the “love letter from Islay” whisky group- the “I’d rather be fishing off the coast of Islay during the winter”-type. This won’t keep you warm on a cold night at sea- it’ll have you on the bow screaming obscenities into the darkness as the boat crests and dives through the waves. If there’s ever been any truth to the statement “this’ll put hair on your chest, boy!” it’s meant for this whisky. You have been warned. 3.5-3.75 stars. Cheers.