Elements of Islay Beach Bonfire (70cl, 54.5%)

Beach Bonfire is a limited 2023 Elements of Islay blended malt, bottled at 54.5% in a 70cl bottle without chill-filtering or added colour. Head blender Oliver Chilton combined two Islay malts, whose distilleries are not named, matured in new oak, bourbon, refill and sherry casks. A fire on an Islay beach, with its smoke, flame colours and sand, was the inspiration. Strong bonfire smoke meets a pronounced herbal character and sweet spices. The nose offers oyster shell, bonfire smoke and baking spices, with cherry, tarragon, mint and black pepper. On the palate come bourbon-soaked amarena cherries, baked vanilla pods, cinnamon and ginger under woodsmoke. The finish is long and warming, with brown sugar and gingerbread spice.