In spite of our previous successful experiments with maturation in very active wood, we decided to dial back the oak influence a little bit: it’s a 30 months finish, but this time in second fill Virgin Oak Casks, for a more nuanced touch and a more straightforward Islay style. The result is simply slightly more full-bodied and muscular than usual, but the intense smokiness and lively maritime youth are left intact. Very peaty and tarry at the nose, with a solid backbone of vanilla, malt and yellow fruits (banana, apple), it is a textbook Islay whisky of its age. The influence of the finish is much more evident at the palate, with a certain toasted note and rounded character: echoes of coffee, peanuts, a touch of sweet liquorice, brown sugar… This leads to a juiciness and creaminess of body that match the intense smokiness and tar very well. The finale is very peated, long and with a slightly vegetal touch.