Elements of Islay - Beach Bonfire

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 54.5% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Beach Bonfire brings together the different cask influences of two Islay malts in a smoky, spicy blend. For the limited 2023 release, Head Blender Oliver Chilton married whiskies matured in new oak, bourbon, previously used refill and sherry casks. The two distilleries remain unnamed. The inspiration was a beach bonfire on Islay: its smoke, the colours of its flames and their meeting with the sand.

Powerful bonfire smoke meets a pronounced herbal character and sweet spices. Alongside the smoke, the different cask influences are central to this release. The whisky is bottled at 54.5% alcohol, without chill filtration or added colouring.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, mineral hints of oyster shells mingle with bonfire smoke and bold baking spices. Subtle cherry and tarragon notes complement the aroma. A touch of mint and black pepper contrasts with lemon oil and the scent of caramel being heated on a wood-burning stove.
• Palate: On the palate, bourbon-soaked Amarena cherries meet baked vanilla pods, cinnamon and a light ginger note. Powerful wood smoke surrounds these sweet, spicy impressions. Medicinal peat nuances complement the pronounced herbal character.
• Finish: The finish is long and warming, with wood-fire smoke and the sweetness of brown sugar. Gingerbread-like spice develops long after the sip.

Distillery/Bottler:

Elements of Islay is a whisky range from independent bottler Elixir Distillers. It focuses on the different smoky styles of the island of Islay. In its blended malts, the company combines lighter characters from the north with heavier ones from the south of the island. The range also includes single-cask and small-batch releases from individual distilleries, whose labels use distillery abbreviations and batch numbers reminiscent of a periodic table. Head Blender Oliver Chilton was responsible for marrying the two single malts for Beach Bonfire.

Facts: