Scarabus Islay (46%)

Scarabus is an Islay single malt bottled at 46% ABV, without colouring or chill-filtration. It is matured in refill, ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks. The name comes from an area of Islay and dates to the 13th century, when it meant "a rocky place" in Old Norse. The label carries deliberately ambiguous symbols and the tagline "only those who seek shall find". The nose brings maritime peat smoke, sea spray and sea salt, with a little vanilla and oak spice. On the palate come oak char, old leather, stewed orchard fruit and vanilla sweetness among the smoke. The finish has bonfire smoke, salted caramel and fresh berries.