Although they can’t officially mention it, this Islay Malt 2008 in the Liquid Treasures series is from a North shore Islay distillery, most likely Caol Ila. It’s part of their 10th Anniversary releases.
Islay Malt 10 yo 2008 (58,7%, Liquid Treasures ‘10th Anniversary’ 2019, bourbon barrel, 171 btl.)
Islay Malt 10 yo 2008 (58,7%, Liquid Treasures ‘10th Anniversary’ 2019, bourbon barrel, 171 btl.)Nose: essential peat. A lot of brine, green olives, kippers, wet stones and sooty notes. Hay, tar, hints of new tyres. Lapsang. Very faint lemons and a touch of burnt vanilla custard in the background.
Mouth: quite fierce again, with enough iodine for a small hospital. Scorched earth, these rubbery and tarry notes again. Sweet lemons, grapefruits and peppers.
Finish: very long, very peaty, with salty notes, liquorice and smoked lemons.
A massive powerhouse! It tries to knock you over, the equivalent of these high-Scoville sauces. Very good though and I would never have guessed the distillery. Around € 85, still available from eSpirits and resellers.
Score: 85/100