Infrequent Flyers Undisclosed Distillery (Islay) 16 years

Score: 76

This isn’t just another predictable, heavily peated Islay dram trading solely on medicinal shock value; it’s a bottle that managed to pull off a middle-of-the-road victory with a surprising, hard-earned balance. Bottled at a robust cask strength of 54.4% ABV, this independent release by Alistair Walker shows how an undisclosed Islay giant can comfortably handle a bold Ruby Port hogshead finish without losing its island soul. The wine cask introduces a rich, red-berry sweetness, yet underneath the wood, the spirit remains unapologetically maritime, oily, and coastal at its core. ​On the nose, it opens with a striking contrast of campfire smoke and sweet red currants, lifted by dark cherries and a touch of sea spray. There’s a distinct confectionery charm here, almost like soot-covered marshmallows, but it’s tightly anchored by a medicinal, briny edge that keeps the jammy fruit elements completely honest. The palate is compact and remarkably flavour-dense: stewed plums, salted dark chocolate, crisp bacon fat, and a heavy layer of earthy peat smoke. The Infrequent Flyers signature cask influence is unmistakable, vibrant and expressive—but it strikes a clever compromise with the distillate. It’s an unlikely pairing that managed to work. The finish lingers beautifully, carrying a dry, peppery warmth, trailing wood spice, and fading embers long after the sip. ​What set this whisky apart, and earned it that middle-of-the-road top spot at the club night, wasn’t an overwhelming, flawless perfection, but how successfully it bridged two opposing profiles. In a lineup of highly specialized, single-minded drams, this was the versatile crowd-pleaser that offered a bit of everything to everyone. It secured its victory by finding the exact sweet spot where peat smoke meets dark fruit. ​Like eating a rich berry tart on a cold, wind-swept Islay beach beside a smouldering driftwood bonfire. A standout mystery malt that claimed its win by being incredibly adaptable, surprisingly balanced, and thoroughly engaging from start to finish. "Club Notes" "What a follow through from nose to palate! Smooth. Bloddy Islay. Great bit of caramel. Smooth long and easy. Easy going Caol Ila?" "Its a la frog.... cask strength... or maybe port C" "Bmmm ardbeg..." "Nose: plum, peat, red berries, strong abv Palate: sweet, very hot, and spicy, it burns Finish: medium-long (I guess? As my tongue is already burnt)"