Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added colorouring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 80.00
Official website: mactallawhisky.com
Vote: 85/100
This is the third bottling by Morrison Distillers for this unknown distillery of Islay, this time with a declared aging of fifteen years (the distillate was produced in 2006) and a salomonic alcohol by volume of 46%.
To the classic aging in bourbon is added a touch (not specified) of sherry, therefore remaining in the tradition but with a variation on the theme.
Tasting notes
A whiff of sea breeze greets the nose, gliding over a tartness of fruit (baked apple, blueberry, apricot), candied orange, licorice root, tamarind, wrapped in a layer of toasted juniper. Spicy stings on the length. Classic but not ordinary.
Initially smoky mouthfeel which soon opens up to an unexpected freshness, where balsamic touches wink at herbaceous impressions where barley is very present, accompanied by fruity tones, milk chocolate, toffee, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom). Pronounced trail of salt in length.
Fairly long and saline finish of nuts, vanilla, licorice, roasted seaweed.
A classic and yet different whisky, at times it seems to be almost predictable and then it strikes with unexpected veins which make it interesting. It certainly cannot be defined as trivial, even though it seems to lack that final flick to achieve greatness.