Elements of Islay

This whisky is a mix of ex-Islay casks finished in Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 56.8%. I'm a fan of Islay whisky, so a mystery blend finished in sherry sounds appealing, but let's see if it works. The nose first offers a rich sherry aroma followed by tangy barbecue sauce-coated smoked meats, transitioning to grilled peaches, apricots, and stewed cinnamon apples, then dark chocolate-covered candied bacon, burnt rubber, ocean brine, and smoking matchstick with a moderate ethanol burn. The taste has a medium mouthfeel, beginning with sherry grape must, caramel-covered cinnamon apples, and peaches, then charred pork belly with tangy barbecue sauce, followed by ocean brine, a blazing tire fire, ginger, leather, and moderate oak spice with a medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length, featuring a tire yard engulfed in flames, ocean brine, stewed cinnamon apples, caramelized peaches, dark chocolate-covered raisins, candied bacon, and leather. This is likely not for everyone, but if you enjoy basking in the warm glow and enticing aromas of a tire fire by the beach with some barbecue and a glass of sherry, this will satisfy you. Compared to a certain popular Islay, this bottling has more balance and complexity without the slight tannic and rubbery finish of this particular bottling; however, it is very similar to another Islay bottling and could probably be labeled as such with a sherry finish. If there are other components present, they are overshadowed by the dominant profile, but it's still a delightful drink. Considering the potential for a sherry-finished bottling from that specific Islay, they should strongly consider it for a future release. Many thanks to a friend for the sample of this tire fire treat.