Islay Storm

 

 

 

40°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay 

Fresh American Bourbon White Oak Barrels

Independent Bottling 

By CS James & Sons 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2005

 

 

 

After having created The Vintage Malt Whisky Company in 1992, then The Highlands & Islands Scotch Whisky Company in 1997, Brian Crook launched this third trading company in 2005, just to market this new brand, Islay Storm, which comes from a third distillery. of Islay, as always secret. If it is true that each brand has its own origin, then it is not Lagavulin nor Caol Ila. In any case, it is peated around 35-40 ppm, it is cold filtered, coloured, and reduced to 40°.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It's costal, marine, with iodine, the tide, fishes, seaweed, kelp, foam, a bit of mud. It's fresh, iodized. Vanilla in the background. Fairly smooth overall. The peat is beautiful, a little ashy, but above all vaporous smoke, mineral, chalky. On the palate, it is light, the peat is more earthy, slightly softened by the influence of the barrels. Some spices, clove and pepper. Passable, long finish, more reminiscent of mud than earth, coal. Sand and salt at the end, it's a bit dry.

 

In Short, 

It's not a storm, just a breeze, fresh, not unpleasant, but it lacks a bit of character. Nothing remarkable in my opinion. The costal side is appreciable, nothing more. The advantage is that it is not expensive at all. I assume it's peated Bunnahabhain, but without conviction. 

Score : 83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Skegss - Stranger Days