Feis Ile 2010 – Whisky Top Trumps

Wow, this year is flying by!

It’s just over a week until Neil & Joel from Caskstrength.net and myself set off on our drive from London to Islay. In preparation I’ve put together my top trumps of Islay whisky. Something that proved to be a difficult task as they are all fantastic drams!

In true top trumps style some factors had to come into play – such as price, abv and age – I also decided to use  Jim Murray’s whisky bible to help score my selection as they battled against each other in an Islay whisky top trumps. It’s important to note that the the ideal price point is no more than £50 as accessibility is key! However, I’ve chosen whiskies I’m passionate about from each of the Islands distillery.

So my selection is as follows:

• Ardbeg 1977,

Age – 24 yo
Price – £299.95
Jim’s Score – 96 (n25 t24 f23 b24)
Rarity – 8/10 (still available, but running out fast!)
ABV – 46%

Notes:

• Master of Malt 26 year old Bowmore,

Age – 26 Years
Price – £99.95
Jim’s Score -
Rarity – 8/10
ABV – 53.4%

Notes:

• Bruichladdich Reciotto finish,

Age:
Average Price:
Jim’s Score:

Abv:

• Bunnahabhain Mòine

Age – 6 years
Average Price – £87.95
Jim’s Score -
Rarity – 9/10
ABV – 59.6%

• Signatory Coal Ila – 1984,

Age:
Average Price:
Abv:
Jim’s Score:

• Kilchoman Spring release,

Age:
Average Price:
Abv:
Jim’s Score:

• Lagavulin distillers Edition,

Age:
Average Price:
Abv:
Jim’s Score:

• Laphroiag quarter cask, &

Age:
Average Price:
Abv:
Jim’s Score:

• Port Ellen Second Release

Age:
Average Price:
Abv:
Jim’s Score:

My final hand:

Ardbeg 1977;

The Stats:

Age – 24 yo

Price – £299.95

Jim’s Score – 96 (n25 t24 f23 b24)

Rarity – 8/10 (still available, but running out fast!)

ABV% – 46

My Notes:

A truly amazing whisky from possibly the best distillery on Islay (yes I was once employed by the Glenmorangie Company, but damn I’ve rarely be disappointed)!

Ardbeg has seen some rough times and in 1977 it was 4 years away from being mothballed, left to drop into decay and despair.  With hardcore fans I think the 70’s was indisputably the best time for the distillery spirit with the ppm level coming over slightly higher than current releases.  The aging time has allowed the final product to mellow and build a subtle complexity to rival any of the Speyside malts at this age. There is talk about the small purifier hanging from the still making a huge difference to the flavour, but was it in action during this period?

On the nose

The nose is thick and smokey, but still has great balance. Fruits de mare hides at the back of a tobacco richness, coastal ozone sweet. The nose is an attractive Island women, mature (but youthful), while still intriguing and  fun!

Taste

This is a sensory experience not to be missed (I’m using a Reidel  nosing glass as I love the delivery onto the front of the pallette)! The wash of

To be continued…