This review focuses on the second of two exceptional undisclosed Islay Malt expressions and this one was distilled in 2008, matured initially in a bourbon hogshead before being transferred to a Koval bourbon cask for an additional period of maturation then being bottled at a cask strength abv of 59.1% in 2018.
So, let's dive right into the review!
The Single Cask Islay Malt 2008 10 Years Old Koval Bourbon Cask (59.1% abv)
Nose: Complex, at first sweet and smoky, reminiscent of hot tar, before the vanilla sweetness and citrus comes through. Palate: A challenging dram, full of spice and oak. A drop of water reveals more brown sugar and caramel, almost like a square of Scottish tabliet. Finish: A long, oily finish, with charred oak, gentle peat and fruit while the lighter citrus fades away.
This expression is available in extremely limited quantities by the dram or as a part of a flight at The Single Cask.