An Islay Distillery 2008 Cadenhead Small Batch 9 yo

 

 

 

54,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay 

Bourbon Barrel and Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling

By William Cadenhead Limited

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 38 ppm

 

 

 

It's rare to find independent bottlings from Lagavulin. And most of the time, they are not advertised as such. Here, for example, is this bottling from Cadenhead's Small Batch range, whose origin they have chosen to keep confidential. It is a blend of two casks, a Bourbon one and a Sherry Hogshead. The result was 330 bottles, all of which have found their owners.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Typical Lagavulin peat, dust, dry earth, Bourbon vanilla, juicy white plums, mirabelles, pastry cream. Iced lemon, a pinch of sugar, genoise, liquid honey. With the addition of water, the peat comes out, beautiful smoke, barbecue, bacon sizzling on the pan. Lavender and other floral fragrances. A bit of iodine, which goes well with the peat. The whole is mellow, well-balanced. On the palate, as honeyed as ever, but the spices quickly add zest: cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, clove. Full-bodied, woody, a little earthy. Licorice. The acidity of lemon, a leafy note. Laurel. Long finish, tree bark, heather, conifer, charcoal, cola, dark and damp earth. A hint of bitterness, and it fizzes on the tip of the tongue.

 

In Short, 

Very nice and balanced, yet I felt the Bourbon first. It is close to the 12 year old SR, with a little more fruit and youth, and therefore power. it deserves our attention. Moreover, at the time of its release, the price was rather magnanimous. I'm curious how far it would go today.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Sherlocks - Sirens