Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 53.8%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and new
Chillfiltered: No
Added colorouring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 75.00
Official website: mactallawhisky.com
A limited edition of Islay peated malt of (more or less) unknown provenance, released in February 2025, which alongside ex-bourbon casks puts four new American casks charred to level 4, the so-called ‘Alligator’, i.e. the highest level with a very long exposure to direct fire, and then finishing the maturation in new American casks.
This is a debut for the label, which until now had never used new casks: let’s see what effect they have!
Tasting Notes
The first impression on the nose is very close to a new make, vegetal and fruity, between freshly cut grass, balsamic (eucalyptus, mint) and aromatic (rosemary) with pear and green apple. In short, the softer traits emerge, still of fruit (peach, mango, banana), vanilla, candyfloss, malt biscuits, and smoke, between marshmallows on the fire and burning wood. The peat remains in the background, an iodiney afflatus among the vegetal hints, with spicy touches of anise and ginger. The balsamic notes remain at the heart of the aromas, with a fresh sweetness.
On the palate, the first burst of spices, with black pepper, ginger, aniseed and a touch of nutmeg, punctuating a full body in which the vegetal and balsamic notes still lead the way, almost as far as pine and peppermint, with rather lively new make accents that put the fruity and confectionery side in the background, with white fruit, pineapple, lemon cream, sweet liquorice and sugar paste. Smoke is more of a protagonist, always between iodine and vegetable, especially along the length.
The finish is quite long and balsamic, of toasted sugar, almond confectionery, aniseed, pineapple and pear, wrapped in vegetable and coastal smoke.
A curious experiment, leading to a strongly characterised and therefore probably divisive drink: all the mentholated and balsamic part is so prominent that you either love it or hate it. I am ecumenical and place myself in the middle, interesting but not thrilling.
Vote: 84/100