Elements of Islay Peat Full Proof

 

 

 

59,3°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islay

Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2016

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Heavily Peated

Elements of Islay is a range launched in 2008 by Speciality Drinks, which later changed its name to become Elixir Distillers. Within a few years, it had established itself as a benchmark for Islay whisky, and for the whisky world in general. That's why, in 2016, the Singh brothers, who own the brand, decided to release a Core Range. This will be two bottlings, one reduced, Peat Pure Islay, and the other cask strength, Peat Full Proof. It's the latter that interests us today. It graced the shelves of every self-respecting peated whisky lover, before disappearing from 2022, when the Singh brothers launched a new range, made up of three bottlings, which we'll certainly be talking about again one day. According to my information, each batch of this Peat Full Proof is made from around sixty casks. The distilleries involved come from the south and north of the island. So, obviously, we're not talking about Kilchoman, Bowmore and Bruichladdich, which tend to be located in the west. Rumours are rife about Caol Ila and Laphroaig, but I found the Bunnahabhain mineral brand there. There's definitely Caol Ila, though. Others have found Lagavulin. In any case, there's a lot of talk about it.

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful synthesis, ashy and grainy peat, balanced, granitic, windy. Iodine notes in the background. It's quite full-bodied, misty. The air is full of moisture, like when a storm is brewing. A hint of vanilla after a while, no fruit. Quite velvety on the palate, peppery, cumin, salty freshness, sea spray, seaweed, kelp. Smoked tea, verbena, lemon zest. Quite long and powerful finish, limestone, slate, quartz. Ashes, chocolate, tobacco. Pie crust, hazelnuts.

In Short, 

Not all the island's malts can be found here, but this is a fine illustration of them all. The peat is at once mineral, maritime and iodised. I wouldn't be surprised if at least 4 distilleries were involved: Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. And maybe it even changes with the Batches. In any case, I thought it was well done and well balanced. Of course, there's a lot of peat, but it's perfectly showcased and very varied. On the other hand, it's true that there isn't much fruit, as the casks had very little influence here. I'm glad to have this relic at my disposal, the price was really good at the time, it was an excellent bargain.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

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