Elements of Islay Beach Bonfire Feis Ile 2023 Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

In the creation of this limited edition, Elixir's Head Blender, Oliver Chilton was inspired by a beach bonfire on Islay – the colours, heady smoke and collision of the flames and sand. Employing malts from two characterful Islay distilleries, the resulting blend brings together whiskies matured in new oak, Bourbon, refill and sherry casks before bottling at natural strength. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Lovely name for an Islay, we use that descriptor often. Colour: deep gold. Nose: you do feel the new oak, with some butterscotch and a bit of wood varnish, then indeed a beach bonfire burning both dried kelp and floated wood. Something medicinal too, saline (sea spray), and chalky. With water: damp tweed jacket (it's raining cats and dogs on Islay) and beach sand and pebbles at low tide. Mouth (neat): very salty arrival but citron liqueur and just limoncello are soon to join the dance. Some fudge and butterscotch again. Very good heat. With water: lemon juice, rhubarb, unripe kiwi, a bit of caramel, plus the expected walnut cake and wine from the sherry. Well, that ought to stem from the sherry. Finish: long, still pleasantly a little hot. Salted butter caramel, walnuts, a little salty and spicy peanut butter. Satay sauce (from the Taj Mahal restaurant in Bowmore, naturally). Comments: very fond of this multifaceted big boy too. 86 points - whiskyfun.com