The Ileach Cask Strength

This was originally posted on Barreled 3/1/18 from a Flaviar sampler. Some claim it's a 5-6 year old Lagavulin. Others suggest it's whatever the cheapest available barrels are on the independent market. Still others are convinced it's from Laphroaig. Regardless, the only certainty is that it's from Islay, and we refer to it as The Ileach. (H/T Top Gear!) The Ileach Cask Strength is an independent bottling from an unnamed Islay distillery. It's a pleasant medium amber in the glass and is bottled at a robust 58% ABV. It has no age statement. In the glass, it's a medium amber that leaves a nice oily film, producing numerous long, thin legs. The aroma is quite subdued for its strength. There's minimal alcohol burn; floral peat, briny sea spray, and light citrus are present. Little to no smoke. Some dark malt undertones appear after some time in the glass. Water has little to no impact on the aroma. It's somewhat underwhelming. In the mouth, it's a completely different story! There's heat, of course (did I mention it's 58% ABV?); sharp but not harsh. Smoke, an oily mouthfeel, phenols. Some bitter chocolate. Very slight vanilla sweetness, almost imperceptible. Water reduces the heat but has minimal other effect. The finish features A LOT of smoke! Medium length, ashy, with BBQ meat notes. Very reminiscent of Laphroaig. Unfortunately, water diminishes the finish. This whisky can be found online in the $50-60 range, but not in the U.S. This makes it a potential alternative to drams like Laphroaig Cask Strength if your sole focus is smoke and ABV. Sadly, there isn't much more to this spirit. I enjoyed this sample but wouldn't seek it out. 3.5/5. Cheers!

Like eating bacon that's burning on a campfire while taking a sip of medicine:) This whiskey is a knockout; it's sweet and smooth for being cask strength. It tastes a bit young, somewhat like Laphroaig Select or Quarter Cask if they were cask strength. It's likely the most budget-friendly cask strength in BC, Canada, besides Naddura, so it's definitely worth trying if you enjoy peat and a bold impact.

Intense peat with a kick. Received a recommendation as an entry-level peated Scotch from a quite attractive gentleman who is definitely my kind of guy, so a perfect score. With a single drop of water, it becomes smoother and quite elegant, with a delicate sweetness emerging at the finish. Comparable to Ardbeg Uigeadail, but with less peat and more floral notes. The initial intensity and liveliness were delightful. It has a captivating flow.

From tasting 16 days ago: We're talking sea scent, seaweed and kelp. Explosion in the mouth. The aftertaste changes fast. The immediate aftertaste is very delicious, but I can't pinpoint what it tastes like. Lovely!

Cask strength 58%. I prefer to add a few drops of water. This allows for a better enjoyment of the flavors by reducing the alcohol intensity. It has a slightly salty character. The taste lingers in the mouth for a very long time. The aroma is similar to the taste.

I fell in love after my first taste. Just finished my first bottle and bought two more. Also just found out it's a young Lagavulin. The sherry cask adds the sweetness to the peat and rich smoke.