- 94
- Nick's Import
Claxton's Exploration Series Islay 8 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Islay,
SCOTLAND
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen
ABV: 50%
Tasting note: A teaspooned malt from a legendary South Islay producer. If you've never heard of teaspooning, it's when an indie bottler buys a cask, but the distillery doesn't want their name on the label. As a control, a teaspoon of another malt is added. By law, this procedure prevents buyers from bottling the cask(s) under the official distillery name - or as single malt Scotch whisky - hence the classification as a Blended Malt. Youthful straw gold in colour, the nose offers a high definition Islay sniff with lifted, peppery openings, becoming more maritime and minerally; empty sea shells, pickled citrus and menthol tobacco; big peat gains an earthy edge after 3-4 minutes air contact. Solid ABV and no shortage of phenols, but the sherry has a rounding effect. Smoked citrus, light brine and eucalyptus enliven the finish. Official age statements from this distillery have been wimpish of late. This fills a void. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.