From what I’ve seen, the Elements of Islay IBs are generally very good, but very hard to find. Fortunately I was able to get a handful of samples and this was one of them. The label says “Full Proof” but I’m not sure if that is marketing, or it’s actually cask strength.
Minutia: Distilled in 1992 and matured in five refill hogsheads, bottled in 2015. There’s no formal age statement on this but it’s ostensibly 22 or 23 years old. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Gold.
Nose: Strong, funky malt.
Taste: Very fruity, bright and sharp in quality.
Finish: Pepper, malt.
Guess: Instant Bruichladdich on the nose. My initial inclination was an older Laddie since it felt a bit mellow.
Not at all surprised this is an unpeated Bruichladdich, but I am a bit surprised it’s an Elements of Islay aged for so long with so little going on. As a fan of smoke, the lack of it hurt this for me. I didn’t dislike any part of it, but it was a bit too simple. Maybe there’s more nuance that I’m not able to find, but it didn’t knock my socks off.
Score: 79
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