To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, a very special release of a smoky but fresh Islay malt with a strong sherry influence from the 20 months finish in a first fill Oloroso hogshead. It’s a textbook example of how well the sherry and the peat can be well integrated into a whole that’s more than the sum of its parts: no fight of clashing flavours, just a perfect match that flows organically. The nose is only slightly smoky: it’s more of a leathery and farmy profile, with balsamic touches of camphor and mint, backed by an impressively fruity note. Oranges, peaches, red apples, cherries, and even a whiff of tropical fruits salad. The smokiness takes its rightful place at the palate: intensely peated, but again so well integrated into the whole tapestry of tastes. The sootiness is enveloped in a creamy and fruity blanket, but overall it remains very dry and nutty in tone. Orange marmalade, classic Italian “aperitif” red bitters, walnuts and toasted hazelnuts. The finale is long, persistent, warm and ashy.