Elements of Islay — Malthound

Elements of Islay Cask Edit, Elements of Islay Bourbon and Elements of Islay Sherry

EOI (Elements of Islay) is introducing this autumn a re-imagined core range of blended malt whiskies!

The multi-awarded brand which has won a loyal following over the years for its various limited batch editions, presents three permanent whiskies which each captures the essence of their origin: Islay.

The three expressions, Elements of Islay Cask Edit, Elements of Islay Bourbon and Elements of Islay Sherry are small-batch, expertly sourced, independently bottled whiskies; all are natural in colour and non-chill filtered. Each expression is inspired by a different element of maturation and aimed at curious whisky drinkers who have a desire to experience, taste and explore the unique flavours of Islay.

We’re very excited to present a new, re-imagined core range of whiskies for Elements of Islay. The rich, smoky flavours make this unquestionably elemental and a great start to the Elements of Islay whisky journey.

The blend combines fresher, fruitier style of peaty Islay single malt from the north coast with a typical rich and smoky style from Islay’s south coast and has been matured in four different styles of casks to offer a complex but balanced whisky for enthusiasts and people looking to discover the incredible island of Islay. We already had an excellent reception from the trade and hope we’ll introduce more drinkers to the joy of Islay whiskies.
– Oliver Chilton: Elixir Distillers, Master Blender

Cask Edit is a union of two single malts aged in bourbon and sherry casks leading to the creation of an exceptionally peaty Islay whisky showing the perfect balance of drinkability and personality at 46% ABV. The whisky also lends itself particularly well in cocktails.

On the bolder side, Bourbon Cask is matured in first fill and refill bourbon barrels and is bottled at 54.5% to fully demonstrate the whisky’s dominant Islay’s personality.

Sherry Cask offers a synthesis of flavour with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate lemon oil and smoke. Bottled at 54.5%, it aims to challenge the status of quo of what it means to be an Islay whisky.

The new Elements of Islay range is available in the UK from this month onwards before rolling out to other markets later this year.

Elements of Islay Cask Edit – 70 cl – 46% ABV – RRP: £44.95
Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask – 70 cl – 54.50% ABV – RRP: £59.95
Elements of Islay Sherry Cask – 70 cl – 54.50% ABV – RRP: £64.95

ELEMENTS of ISLAY PEAT – The Everyday Islay Dram

The Elements of Islay have a new addition to their range – Elements of Islay Peat – and at a great price too! (£34.95)

A range of whiskies that celebrate the core characteristics that make Islay whisky special

For this Peat Release, Elements of Islay have used whisky from a handful of distilleries across the island to create an Islay blended malt, focusing on Islay’s most famous flavour – peat – and it certainly delivers!

The Elements of Islay are a range of whiskies that celebrate the core characteristics that make Islay whisky special and unique.

The single malts in the range are bottled either as single casks or as small batches of between five and 20 carefully selected casks.

A symbol is used to identify the distillery, and each whisky is approved and signed by a whisky authority as a mark of its quality.

Additionally, no age or vintage statement is used as the measure of a whisky’s quality. The Elements of Islay range is all about the excellence of the whisky.

No vintage or age statement is declared. To put it simply – they don’t think one is needed!

Tasting Notes: Peat – Elements of Islay Blended Whisky (59.3%)

Not chill-filtered and no colouring is added.

Nose: Rich, peaty smokiness abounds with aromas of woody bonfires. There’s salty caramel and chocolate in there as well with a little sweetness.

Palate: Thick mouthfeel, creamy alcohol on the tongue giving way to an intensely peaty hit. This is backed up by charcoal and fruity sweetness.

Finish: Powerful spice, salt n’ pepper and smoke with a sweet fruitiness to balance. Some tobacco and leather. Long and tasty!

Overall: A mighty dram for sure! It’s alcohol strength give it the power to be a satisfying, peaty heavy hitter.
Accidental Tip: Warming the glass in your hands turns the spirit into a lovely, glowing fireside mouthfeel and taste extravaganza!

Many thanks to The Whisky Exchange for sending the sample.