Boutique-y Whisky Advent Calendar 2020 - Door No.24
Bottle Name: Islay No.4 Batch 1
Distillery: Undisclosed Islay
Bottler: That Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region: Islay Age: 11
Welcome to the end. The conclusion of our 24-day journey into the annals of Boutique-y Whisky and the start of the much needed break to recharge the whisky writing batteries. Today is a special day for many - so no (d)rambling introductions, nor long-winded sermons - just a hearty, heartfelt festive thank you for your support throughout 2020 and the best of wishes for the holidays.
The Boutique-y Whisky 2020 Advent finale is offered up in the form of Islay #4 11 year old a Batch 1. Another mysteriously signposted single malt with its biggest clue coming on the label in the form of the boat named ‘Laggan’ taking part in the 2008 Islay Distiller’s Boat Race. 1,586 bottles have been produced at an ABV of 48.8%. They’re still available via Master of Malt for £66.95.
Nose: Syrupy, reduced apples sit with cold cream, barbeque briquettes and singed chalk. Dulce de leche and fir cones are joined by wild honey whilst gradually the whisky unravels into toffee strawberries. All very calm and controlled. Dilution offers cotton sacking and ropes alongside nut brittle.
Taste: Softly delivered with burnt pineapple chunks, smouldering driftwood and cold ashes alongside preserved lemons. Leaf mulch and mentholated oakiness are livened by syrupy apple and persistent medicinal wipes. The addition of water presents toffee sauce and selection of chopped, smoked herbs.
Finish: Medium to long with dry wood smoke and leather satchels.
Islay #4 11 year old offers calmed sweetness over and above the roughly-hewn coastalness that some peated Islay whiskies can be synonymous with. However, don’t be thinking that a sense of tranquillity cannot equate to full-flavour – this bottling is packed full of concentration from start to finish. As such, it’s both a peated indulgence as well as a finely integrated and enjoyable way to wrap up our coverage of the 2020 Boutique-y Advent calendar. Fans of the distillery won’t be disappointed.
Sorren has been tracking alongside The Dramble each and every day, completely the herculean task that is 24 reviews across 24 days. You can read his final post on the 2020 Advent calendar over at OCD Whisky.
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