Cask Islay (A.D. Rattray) Cask Strength Bourbon Edition

From a 1st-fill Kentucky bourbon barrel. 4,900 bottles were made. Bottled on 10-06-2020. Smells like ash, peat, and exotic fruit. Taste: Smoky embers, sugary barbecue sauce, seared flesh, sea salt, and bell pepper. Leaves a lingering taste of tobacco, hide, soot, and salty sea spray. Reminds me of a sweet Caol Ila. It has a very sooty finish, but the sweetness makes it more interesting. It tied for second place out of six spirits, getting 17% of the votes for favorite of the evening (4 votes). However, a truly exceptional dram was present that night and was the clear winner. 87% of attendees indicated they liked the spirit (20 votes).

Overpowering notes of ash, rubber, and bandaid dominate. While I typically enjoy Islay spirits, this one isn't for me. I prefer a more campfire, bbq smokiness over this ashy smoke. After resting in the glass for 5-10 minutes, it opens up, revealing honey and briny notes beneath the heavy ash.