Cask No. 53.431

The Vaults Collection 

Cask No. 53.431

c

Islay

Like opening a hamper of succulent smoked shellfish, this is “the stuff that dreams are made of”, with a lot more smoke on the palate neat than expected from the nose. We found bananas smoked in cedar wood with chocolate and pistachios next to palm trees in flames and, in the finish, medicinal ointments. Following reduction, we were seated in the dining room of a historical tea clipper voyaging across the Atlantic, enjoying key lime-smoked mojitos while puffing on cigars. At 27 years of age, we split the content of one sherry butt into two barrels. In addition to this first fill ex-bourbon barrel we also filled an ex-rye barrel to create an intriguing duo of releases.

Cask: First-fill barrel
Age: 31 years
Date distilled: April 1991
Alcohol: 56.9%
USA allocation: 48 bottles

700mL bottle format

About The Vaults Collection:

The Vaults Collection is a selection of the finest and rarest single cask, single malt whisky, set aside from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s most remarkable stocks over the years. They have been released from the depths of our treasure trove of casks, after decades of slow maturation and careful nurturing. The Vaults Collection represents the whisky lover’s dream: A chance to journey back into whisky history, including the opportunity to experience styles or distilleries that no longer exist. The Collection takes its name from the Society’s historical home at The Vaults in Leith, Scotland’s oldest commercial building in continuous use whose connection with the drinks world dates back to the 12th century. Each bottle has a specially designed label and is offered in a beautiful wooden box.