Ailsa Bay Lowland single malt Scotch whisky

Difford's Guide

alc./vol: 48.9%

Proof: 97.8°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of United Kingdom United Kingdom

Released February 2016, this is the first official bottling from the Ailsa Bay distillery. Although a no-age-statement whisky, its release comes following 8 years of the distillery’s operation. It’s heavily peated style admirably displays the diversity of what this Lowland distillery can produce.

A vatting of peated whiskies aged in refill oak, first-fill bourbon and virgin oak casks, along with whiskies aged in ex-Baby Bourbon Hudson casks ranging 20 to 100 litres in size. The whisky aged in these small casks matures very quickly and is transferred to refill oak casks to mellow prior to blending. These four different component are blended together and then left to marry in non-active casks before bottling.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 12/02/2016

Appearance:

Clear, pale golden.

Aroma:

Bonfire smoke, coal dust, asphalt, carbolic soap and pine with creosote, vanilla and smoky bacon crisps. Water amplifies soft leather and vanilla.

Taste:

Muscular black pepper spice, coal tar, smoke and carbolic soap with some chilli heat. Sweeter with water - buttery vanilla and leather.

Aftertaste:

Cracked black pepper spice and chilli heat smoothed by creamy vanilla.

Overall:

A Lowland malt with the character of an Islay and cask strength power. Unchecked this is a brute with brawny black pepper spice and coal tar smoke. However, with a splash of water, sweet creamy vanilla shines and tames to make this a fabulously balanced malt.

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Product Information

Closure: Natural cork stopper

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