Elements of Islay Sherry Cask

Profile: The Elements of Islay Sherry Cask at a glance

• Elements of Islay Sherry Cask - When smoke bathes in sherry
• Elements of Islay Sherry Cask - Smoke in sherry pajamas
• Mature in first and refill sherry casks - completely without oak dust
• 100% Islay single malts elegantly married - with plenty of island power
• 54.5%vol. - Strong but charming

Portrait: What makes the Elements of Islay Sherry Cask so special

Imagine an Islay whisky on holiday in Spain, falling head over heels in love with a former sherry cask - and then refusing to ever leave. That's exactly what the Elements of Islay Sherry Cask feels like: a blended malt born out of pure love for the cask.

Behind this charming drama is once again the London team at Elixir Distillers, which has been delighting Islay fans and whisky nerds alike with the Elements of Islay series since 2008. Originally launched as strictly limited single-cask bottlings in apothecary bottles, the brand has since spruced itself up considerably – but without losing its nerdy sense of humor. Scientifically inspired, but not overly intellectual. A bit like Schrödinger's cat, only with more alcohol.

The Sherry Cask is part of the new "Core Range" – ready to drink at any time, without disappearing behind closed warehouse doors. It consists of peaty single malts from the island of Islay, which were allowed to mature entirely in former sherry casks. These are, by the way, First Fill and Refill Butts, which may sound a bit rude, but in the whisky world simply means "quite flavorful."

Whether from the south coast with plenty of smoke or from the north with a bit more elegance, the Sherry Cask brings the Islay gang together like a Scottish family reunion in an Andalusian cask cellar. And all this at 54.5% ABV – so not necessarily for ordinary sailors, but definitely for explorers.

In short: Sherry on, everyday life off. Slàinte!

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

• Nose: the scent of tobacco in an empty sandalwood cigar box - joined by the maritime-smoky aroma of smoked fish (Arbroath smokie), aromatic notes of lemon oil, ginger root and a hint of menthol
• Palate: lush, smoky and smooth, candied orange slices and pieces of candied ginger dipped in dark chocolate - muscovado sugar syrup provides a sticky, dark drizzle over ginger cake with dates against a background of sweet peat smoke and dried autumn fruits
• Finish: treacle toffee and smoky black tea, sweetened with dark brown sugar - long, sweet, full and smoky-spicy finish