This heavily peated Islay single malt whisky combines a respect for the Islay island with contemporary practices. Using only Islay-grown barley, this expression has a complex maturation process. The spirit firstly spends seven years in ex-American whiskey barrels, before then being finished in French wine casks, and then being married back together for bottling. This gives is a complex layering of delicate flavours. Using Islay spring water in its bottling, it is free from chill filtration and is colouring free.
It has a colouring of pale gorse flowers and has a strength of 50% abv. The aromas that arrive at the nose are those of red berry fruits and floral notes which follow on the palate. These are joined by toasted oak notes and hints of coffee and chocolate, before leading to a dramatic smoky finish. A top-drawer dram from Bruichladdich.