Classic of Islay 21yo (46%, Vintage Malt Whisky Company)

From the Vintage Malt Whisky Company comes the ‘Classic of Islay’ 21yyear old at 46% and no further information. The nose is at first vegetable, green and slightly malty, this is soon over taken by sweetness and some very light peat reek, hints of banana followed by toffee. After some time in the glass it settles down and honey and the gentle peat reek are apparent. The taste is smooth and honeyed followed by some light chocolate malt and the gentle peat reek. The peat reek continues to grow and is then intermingled with dry malt, the chocolate and some vanilla followed by even more chocolate vanilla peat reek. Delicious. The finish is warming and smooth with an excellent dry bitter chocolate moment and the ever present gentle peat reek. The finish goes along for quite a while and it is quite excellent and in the final moments is of the dry chocolate malt. After some further time there is also butter popcorn and some really good malt, like chewing on some straight from the kiln.

Stunning stuff despite the distillery of origin being a mystery; Kildalton coast of Islay if one had to guess.

Score 88

$80 at Binny’s Chicago

http://www.vintagemaltwhisky.com/