Islay 30yo Single Malt " The Cat" label, from The Whisky Jury

Happy New Year 2022! It feels like we've officially entered the future, or at least that's how I imagined 2022 would be when I was nine back in 1992. Every New Year's Eve, I select an exceptional, rare dram to mark another trip around the sun. This year, I chose an intriguing and visually appealing bottle named "The Cat Label," a 30-year-old Islay Single Malt bottled by "The Whisky Jury" at 51.5% ABV, possessing a pale straw hue. Upon uncorking, an ashtray aroma immediately greets you, followed by gooseberries, lemon peel, and pepper. It's like a bonfire contained within a pond. The citrus aroma is beautiful, with a subtle medicinal undertone. Green apple juice is also detected. After three minutes, it releases an aroma of salty seawater. I suspect it might be a Caol Ila due to its profile, exhibiting grapefruit and lemongrass notes, along with fruit peel spices. After the initial taste, a superb orange aroma emerged, the most accurate orange scent I've encountered, rivaled only by a 30-year-old Ballantine's. It's orange peel, grapefruit, and other delightful citrus notes. The maritime and fruity character is so intense it has astounded me. The palate delivers a beautiful, fresh orange taste, intensely citric, akin to eating an orange from the grocery store. Saltiness appears after a few seconds, making it incredibly easy to drink. A second sip brought vanilla, salt, and a citric burst that caused my eyes to slightly close. The third sip was sweeter, with marshmallows, sea salt, and grapefruit. The finish was outstanding: ashy, peaty, with a dry raw rice sensation. Wonderful. Cigarettes. It leaves your mouth completely dry, like licking a piece of paper, before a pleasant salty/peppery spice that lasts eternally. The sulfuric quality is enjoyable, making it feel like I've had a crazy sour lollipop. A smoky, neat experience. Overall, this was a superb release. I believe only 264 bottles were produced, and the price of around $300 seems fair for the quality. I wouldn't be surprised if The Whisky Jury revealed this was indeed a Caol Ila, as I suspect it forms the basis of about 75% of independent Islay single malt bottlings. A lovely whisky, attractive bottle, and highly collectible; my score is 93 out of 100.