James Eadie 8 Year Old Islay Whisky (70cl, 48.3%)

This is an 8 year old Islay single malt bottled by James Eadie, an independent bottler that selects individual casks from Scottish distilleries. It comes in a 70cl bottle at 48.3% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtering. The whisky was matured at Caol Ila Distillery for 8 years, then finished for six months in Palo Cortado sherry casks. The nose has coastal smoke, lemon zest, sea spray and gentle oak, with nuttiness and sweetness beneath. The palate is smoky and maritime, with citrus, toasted nuts, spice and a little sherry richness. The finish is clean and lingering, with gentle smoke, oak spice, a touch of salinity and a nutty note from the Palo Cortado.