Elements of Islay Sherry Cask (70cl, 54.5%)

Elements of Islay Sherry Cask is an Islay blended malt from the independent bottler Elixir Distillers, in a 70cl bottle at 54.5%. It combines single malts from one distillery on the island's south coast and one on the north coast. The southern malt adds dried fruit and dark chocolate, while the northern one brings lemony notes and a hint of smoked fish. The whiskies mature in first-fill and refill sherry butts and hogsheads. It is non-chill-filtered, has no added colour and sits in the core range beside Cask Edit and Bourbon Cask. The nose offers tobacco, sandalwood, smoked fish, lemon oil and ginger root. The palate is rich and smooth, with candied orange, dark chocolate and ginger cake with dates. The finish is long, with toffee and smoky black tea.