Malts of Scotland Images of Ayrshire 'Dalrymple Bridge'

Of this Images, exceptionally bottled at 68,3% instead of the usual 53,2%, rumour has it that this might very well be the very first release of Aisla Bay, the new Lowland distillery from William Grant & Sons. It is a whisky of only three years old, matured on a sherry cask. The alcohol percentage confirms the young age. Knowing that the Images is a series of casks that are normally intended for the blending industry is another fact that supports this supposition. But we cannot be absolutely sure of course. The fact that it says Single Cask Scotch Whisky on the label – as opposed to Malt – might indicate that this one was teasponned, something Grant has been known to do with their Kininvie. Ah, the plot thickens. But let us get started, already.

The nose is a nice mix of sweet, dark fruit on the one hand and a broth of vegetables on the other. Raisins, chocolate, oranges liqueur and tobacco leaves. Nuts as well. And a drop of balsamico. Reminds me a bit of a rum, actually. Very interesting nose for such a young animal. With water I get more raisins, but also more broth. Simply more of everything, but more accessible.

Very powerful and piquant on the palate. Black pepper, cloves and some vanilla. Then first the sweetness of rum or even bourbon, before the dark honey and a truckload of raisins kick in. Phew, I do get quite warm! This needs water and not just a drop. That makes it lovely sweet on oranges with a little bit of mint. It does remain very spicy.

I get mostly oranges in the extremely long finish.

Amazingly powerful Lowlander that clearly owes its character to a very active sherry cask. And if this is indeed Ailsa Bay, then this is a whisky to look forward to (although it stands to reason that it will not be bottled officially very soon). Around 80 EUR.