The Darkness Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is Islay whisky at its most dramatic, smoky power wrapped in sherry-soaked luxury. Born on Scotland’s wild west coast, this whisky channels sea spray, peat smoke, and time itself, elevated through Darkness’ famed Oloroso octave finish. The first sip feels like standing at the edge of a windswept cliff as waves crash below and the scent of woodsmoke drifts through the air. It’s elemental, emotional, and utterly unforgettable.

Darkness Islay Single Malt 13 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 50cl
Brand: Darkness | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 51.6% | Origin: Islay, Scotland | Vol: 500ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose:
A bold marriage of maritime smoke, brine, and rich sherry sweetness. Aromas of smoked dates, sea salt, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate swirl together, with hints of orange peel and oak resin rising through the smoke.
Palate:
Thick, smoky, and indulgent. Waves of peat and campfire ash roll over salted caramel, espresso, and dried fruit. Mid-palate brings burnt sugar, cracked black pepper, and a touch of sherried nuttiness that adds richness to the coastal intensity.
Finish:
Endless and warming, fading slowly with charred oak, dark cocoa, and seaweed salinity. The sherry influence lingers like embers glowing in the hearth long after the fire dies down.

Production Details:
Distilled on Islay, the legendary island home to Scotland’s smokiest malts, this whisky matured for 13 years, including a finishing period in specially selected Oloroso sherry octave casks. The smaller casks create deeper wood interaction, amplifying flavor and intensity. Bottled at a robust 51.6%, non-chill filtered, and naturally colored, it delivers the raw power and authenticity Islay is celebrated for.

Perfect For:
Perfect for lovers of deep, smoky drams who crave complexity beyond the peat. This whisky bridges rugged coastal character and refined sherry warmth, the ideal pour for long, thoughtful evenings or fireside contemplation.

Expert Notes:
Critics and collectors alike praise this release for its extraordinary balance, the Oloroso cask adds depth and sweetness without dulling the Islay fire. It’s often described as “a sherry-kissed Ardbeg or Lagavulin,” depending on the batch, and stands as one of Darkness’ most powerful and harmoniously layered bottlings.

Customer Reviews:
“Like sipping smoke and sea wrapped in dark chocolate, magnificent.”
“The Oloroso finish tames the peat just enough. It’s Islay elegance in full gear.”
“A sensory adventure, maritime, smoky, sweet, and endlessly complex.”

Interesting Fact:
Each Darkness octave cask holds only about 60 liters, a fraction of a traditional sherry butt. This intensified surface contact gives the whisky its signature dark color and concentrated flavor, making every sip rich and resonant.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat to experience the full interplay of smoke and sherry. Add a few drops of water to reveal more sweetness and citrus tones beneath the peat. Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, smoked almonds, or even grilled seafood.

Distillery Background:
While the exact distillery remains undisclosed, this whisky bears all the hallmarks of southern Islay craftsmanship, coastal smoke, bold peat, and maritime depth. The island’s peated whiskies have become legendary for their raw energy and soul, and under Darkness’ sherry influence, that rawness transforms into symphonic richness. The result: a 13-year-old Islay single malt that balances fire and finesse like few others.