Islay Mist Aged 8 Years Port Cortado Wellington Finish
This limited edition of Islay Mist has yielded only 1920 bottles. It is created in close collaboration with Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana of Spain, whose vineyards are at the highest altitude in the Jerez (sherry) district.
While the vineyards are not lying immediately next to the sea, the altitude allows for the cool Atlantic sea breeze to reach the grapes. After harvest the rare wine that only by chance becomes the sought-after Palo Cortado is then matured by the sea in Sanlucar. This qualifies that slight hint of saltiness which fits perfectly with the peaty Islay Mist.
This Islay Mist is a blend of whiskies that have matured for a minimum of eight years, most notably the essential peaty Islay malt whisky. First created on the island of Islay in 1927 to celebrate the 21st birthday of the son and heir of Lord Margadale, Islay Mist still adheres to the original recipe born at Laphroaig Distillery.
The historic brand can not be copied as the recipe remains secret and no other blended Scotch whisky may use the word ‘Islay’ in its name.
After blending the whisky rested and spent a further 16 months in the rare old Palo Cortado casks finalising the unique character. The casks used are only two, over 100 years old, intensely flavoured butts from Hidalgo’s solera system infused for many years with age old premium Palo Cortado Wellington.
The ‘Wellington’ part of that name? Bodegas Hidalgo makes an Amontillado sherry named Napoleon. It would only be right to have their most rare 30 year old Palo Cortado sherry named after his nemesis.
Tasting Note
Nose - ELEGANT PEAT SMOKE AND SEABREAZE SALTINESS WRAPPED DELICATELY IN RICH CREAMY PALO CORTADO FRUITINESS.
Palate - MATURE MALT NOTES AND CREAMY RICHNESS BALANCED WITH PEATY VIBRANCY SURROUNDED BY GRACEFUL LAYERS OF EARLY AUTUMN ORCHARD FRUITS.
Finish - NECTAROUS FRUITS MINGLING WITH PEAT SMOKE BY THE SEA IN PERFECTLY BALANCED LONG LINGERING FINISH.