Hunter Laing, in partnership with Jim McEwan, who consulted on their new Ardnahoe Distillery, have put together a collection of six rare Islay whiskies. They come as a set. They are not available individually. Details on the six whiskies in the set, and tasting notes are below.
Bunnahabhain 30 Year - 48.5% - Refill Sherry Butt & Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “On nosing, a warm fresh marine breeze is very evident and it lifts the oak gently to reveal the subtle sherry aromas. The richness of the oak, the succulent flavours of the Oloroso Sherry and the spicy vanilla from the bourbon make this spirit so amazingly viscous in texture that it lingers long on the palate.
Bruichladdich 27 Year – 50.2% - Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “A moderate maritime saline drift clearly reveals its identity in this irresistible spirit. Soft fruits and Heather honey encapsulate in a cradle of mellow bourbon oak, and throughout the crisp toasted malted barley never fades bringing structure and balance to the oak. A gentle, sophisticated spirit.”
Bowmore 30 Year – 56.2% - Refill Bourbon Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Matured in a refill bourbon hogshead since 1988 there is lots of peat, passion and personality in this spirit! It opens on a bridled saltiness balanced by the barley sweetness and the peat moor flora & fauna. That combination of dried peat, vanilla, honey & pear on the palate is absolutely brilliant.”
Laphroaig 18 Year - 56.4% - Oloroso Refill Sherry Butt - Producer Tasting Note: “Absolutely brilliant, muscular and memorable. The aromas are sensational. Once you get your breath back relax a little and get ready for the thrill of catching the wave. The combinations of sherry, oak syrup, medicine, liquorice toffee and the nuttiness from the sherry casks is awesome. It’s incomparable, just go with the incoming tide.”
Ardbeg 26 Year – 47.2% - Refill Hogshead - Producer Tasting Note: “Beautiful notes of sea breezes, drying freshly cut peat, and sun-bleached seaweed. At this age it’s in its absolute prime. Stunning notes of oak smoked toffee and marzipan introduce themselves onto the senses. Heather moor fires, salt encrusted sails, bracken with a rare dash of pepper and lemon. It’s elegant and succulent without a hint of harshness.”
Caol Ila 40 Year – 44.9% - Refill American Oak Hogshead - Producer Tasting Note: “Amazingly fresh and vibrant, the mellow American oak adds character & personality whilst floral notes flirt round the edges and it’s all encapsulated in a surge of the Marine overtures from the Sound of Islay. A seductive nuttiness takes hold on the surface and creates an opening for the summer fresh aromas.
Tasting Notes
Bunnahabhain 30 Year - 48.5% - Refill Sherry Butt & Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “On nosing, a warm fresh marine breeze is very evident and it lifts the oak gently to reveal the subtle sherry aromas. The richness of the oak, the succulent flavours of the Oloroso Sherry and the spicy vanilla from the bourbon make this spirit so amazingly viscous in texture that it lingers long on the palate.
Bruichladdich 27 Year – 50.2% - Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “A moderate maritime saline drift clearly reveals its identity in this irresistible spirit. Soft fruits and Heather honey encapsulate in a cradle of mellow bourbon oak, and throughout the crisp toasted malted barley never fades bringing structure and balance to the oak. A gentle, sophisticated spirit.”
Bowmore 30 Year – 56.2% - Refill Bourbon Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Matured in a refill bourbon hogshead since 1988 there is lots of peat, passion and personality in this spirit! It opens on a bridled saltiness balanced by the barley sweetness and the peat moor flora & fauna. That combination of dried peat, vanilla, honey & pear on the palate is absolutely brilliant.”
Laphroaig 18 Year - 56.4% - Oloroso Refill Sherry Butt - Producer Tasting Note: “Absolutely brilliant, muscular and memorable. The aromas are sensational. Once you get your breath back relax a little and get ready for the thrill of catching the wave. The combinations of sherry, oak syrup, medicine, liquorice toffee and the nuttiness from the sherry casks is awesome. It’s incomparable, just go with the incoming tide.”
Ardbeg 26 Year – 47.2% - Refill Hogshead - Producer Tasting Note: “Beautiful notes of sea breezes, drying freshly cut peat, and sun-bleached seaweed. At this age it’s in its absolute prime. Stunning notes of oak smoked toffee and marzipan introduce themselves onto the senses. Heather moor fires, salt encrusted sails, bracken with a rare dash of pepper and lemon. It’s elegant and succulent without a hint of harshness.”
Caol Ila 40 Year – 44.9% - Refill American Oak Hogshead - Producer Tasting Note: “Amazingly fresh and vibrant, the mellow American oak adds character & personality whilst floral notes flirt round the edges and it’s all encapsulated in a surge of the Marine overtures from the Sound of Islay. A seductive nuttiness takes hold on the surface and creates an opening for the summer fresh aromas.
