Welcome to the Elements of Islay, our new range of Single Islay Malt Whiskies. The Elements range draws its inspiration from traditional medical laboratory labels and packaging – even the bottle we’ve used is called ‘pharmacy’.
The Elements range will be bottled in individual batches, typically blended from between 5 and 20 casks from a single distillery. Each bottle will show the distillery’s ‘Element’ symbol alongside a batch number on the label (eg Lp1).
Above: High praise for the Elements range from Dave Broom in Wine & Spirits magazine - click to enlarge
Another important feature of the Elements range is the absence of vintages or age statements on the label. This enables us to marry casks of different ages together to create a unique taste profile for each batch – we believe that stated ages and vintages are less important than creating a top quality malt that truly expresses the character of the distillery that made it.
To underscore this, we have asked respected industry figures to endorse each batch of Elements whisky. We are delighted that the famous whisky writer, raconteur and bon vivant Charles MacLean has agreed to endorse our inaugural release, which encompasses truly elemental full-proof single malts from three wonderful Islay distilleries.
Tasting Notes from Whisky Magazine Issue 75:
Elements of Islay Cl1
Dave Broom
Nose: Highly phenolic. Seaweed and driftwood mingling with hay and a briny/rockpool aroma. There's some stewed pear. Water brings huge smokiness, edible seaweed and hot sand.
Palate: Sweet yet peppery. Juniper wood, smoked sausage balanced by a distinct sweetness.
Finish: Tingling and salty.
Comment: Young, vibrant and brimful of personality.
Rob Allanson
Nose: Coal tar soap mixed with hot bitumen. Slowly becomes grass fires smelt from the seashore, so you get that saltiness in there too.
Palate: Packs quite a punch with a lot of smoke at the front. There is also a sweetness in here shrouded in the smoke.
Finish: Short and cleansing.
Comment: A great healing malt for those colder days.
Elements of Islay Lp1
Dave Broom
Nose: There's an initial whiff of glue but then the smoke builds. This time it's tar and creosote, liquorice and a lightly fragrant note. Water reveals bay leaves and drying fishing nets.
Palate: Very sweet start, patisserie, melon then it shifts gear and becomes kiln-like (dusty) with pipe tobacco.
Finish: Fresh fish oatcakes and after an age, wellies.
Comment: This has an extra dimension and added energy. Brilliant balance.
Rob Allanson
Nose: A more rounded peat reek than the previous dram. Slight plastic edge, damp seaweed and wet pebbles.
Palate: Sweet at first, then moves into more earthy notes.
Finish: The smoke comes in waves.
Comment: Islay in a glass, it will take you back there instantly.
