Elements of Islay Sherry Cask

Score: 70

Elements of Islay Sherry Cask brought a smoky elegance to the club’s all-out peat showdown, landing a well-earned 3rd place out of 6. Bottled at 54.5% ABV and matured in a mix of first-fill and refill sherry butts and hogsheads, it’s a blend of north and south coast Islay malts—think Caol Ila’s fruitier lift meeting the deeper, smokier tones of Laphroaig or Lagavulin. The nose was lush and layered: dark chocolate, dried fruits, lemon oil, and a soft floral spice. On the palate, it balanced savory smoke with sherry sweetness, offering sea salt, spice, and smooth fruit notes that lingered in a smoky, medium-long finish. Despite its complexity and polish, it was edged out by the raw charm of Glenglassaugh Torfa and the bold, fruity punch of Kilchoman Madeira Cask. Still, Sherry Cask held its own, less brute force, more finesse. It was the dram that made people pause, sip again, and nod quietly. In a lineup full of peat monsters, it played the role of the smoky diplomat: rich, balanced, and quietly confident.