Secret Casks Islay 2009 6 YO (whiskysite.nl)

Secret Casks Islay 2009 6 YO (whiskysite.nl), 58,9 %

This is a secret cask, at least that is what we are told. This is an Islay whisky from an undisclosed distillery, bottled by independent bottler whiskysite.nl. The Secret Casks Islay 6 yo 2009, has been matured in a refill sherry cask (cask #7065), and the outturn was a mere 72 bottles, suggesting this was only a partial cask.

The whisky is apparently not a Lagavulin or a Bunnahabhain (source). My bets are on Caol Ila in this case, but I cannot say for certain.

You can buy the Secret Casks Islay 2009 6 YO directly from whiskysite.nl at € 85.

Nose: Huh?! It is actually a little dusty and dry on the nose. Wooden attic and old books. Not at all what I expected from a young Islay whisky. White pepper, mild sherry notes, vanilla, apples, coal, an cold ashes.

Taste: Rich and very smooth mouthfeel. Oh, oh, oh! Here it is then! As advertised! It certainly is both young, feisty and fiery! Wow! Really packs a punch, and what a lovely punch it is. I feel like a willing recruit to the Fight Club right now. Hit me again, please. Ehm..enough of that. Pepper and chillies of numerous kinds, ashes, coal, ginger, menthol, mint, citrus zest, and - hiding behind all these massive aromas - there is a base of soft sherry notes.

Finish: Medium to short finish, betraying the young age. Caramel, vanilla, baked apples, salty licorice and white pepper.

Comments: A young whisky certainly, but a very fine product all the same. The finish sort of disappoints, but it really should not. If you approach a young whisky hoping for a very long finish you are barking down the wrong glass...or something. Cheers!

Score (86/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas