The perfect balance between juicy oakiness and fresh dryness, from the marriage of one virgin American oak barrel and two ex-bourbon barrels: this new release at cask strength encompasses the best of both styles. It’s a particularly warm and deep Islay malt: the traditionally smoky notes are maybe less maritime than usual, with a darker tarry note. It’s the kind of aroma you would expect from a pine wood bonfire, from the smoke out of a fireplace chimney in winter. And maybe a hint of barbecue too? Of course, the smokiness is balanced by rich tannins, by notes of liquorice root, by a certain buttery sweetness as expected in our Quercus Alba series… but the final impression remains quite traditional and peat-oriented.