Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask

Profile: The Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask at a glance

• Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask - smoke meets vanilla, meets science
• 100% Islay Single Malts - cleverly combined, not randomly mixed
• Mature in first-fill bourbon casks - American wood, Scottish spirit
• Part of the Core Range - permanently available, thankfully...
• For nerds with taste - and all those who aspire to be one

Portrait: What makes the Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask special

Imagine you are in a crazy whisky laboratory, somewhere between misty Islay cliffs and an American bourbon barrel warehouse. Suddenly someone shouts: "Attempt number 42 is a success!" - and tadaa: The Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask is born. No explosion, no failed experiment - just a blend that knows exactly what it wants: Islay character in a bourbon coat.

Behind this whisky gimmick isn't a bored chemistry teacher, but Elixir Distillers, a London-based company with a penchant for peat romance and a keen eye for exciting combinations. The "Elements of Islay" series has been around since 2008 – back then as apothecary bottles for real nerds, now as a serious homage to the island's diversity. And yes, the periodic table on the label is intentional. Whisky with an educational mission, so to speak.

The Bourbon Cask is part of the new "Core Range" - so it's permanently available in case you fall in love. And as the name suggests, this blended malt was allowed to mature exclusively in former bourbon casks. This brings structure, depth - and a bit of American charm to the Scottish island weather.

Of course, the origin remains unmistakable: The smoke (presumably) comes from the south coast of Islay - there's some talk of Laphroaig or Ardbeg - and is complemented by milder notes from the north of the island. A kind of whisky diplomacy, with a bourbon cask as mediator.

In short: A whisky for those who like science, but prefer it with a dram in hand rather than a calculator. Slàinte!

Tasting Notes: This is how the Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask tastes like

• Nose: Sweet aromas from a sugar bowl with vanilla pods - with vanilla-amber scented candles, fresh tropical fruits, and spicy coal smoke from the chimney.
• Palate: In front of a crackling peat fire, chocolate-dusted cappuccino, warm brioche with custard, and tangy fruits soaked in maple syrup unfold - followed by a butter glaze on vanilla muffins.
• Finish: Sweet, creamy vanilla with lingering peat smoke.