Description:

Ileach Cask Strength Peat Islay Malt is one of those "mystery malts," which are repackaged young malt whiskies from an unidentified distillery that are sold under the guise of being a distinct brand of single-malt scotch. In order to protect the reputation of the mystery distillery's own brand,

most bottling agreements prohibit the brand from disclosing the source. While it can be amusing to try to guess where the juice in these bottles comes from, the finished product is typically less expensive than similar items that actually disclose the whisky's country of origin.

The Ileach Cask Strength is a single malt whisky from one of the distilleries on the island of Islay that produces fully-peated malt, and it is bottled at a cask strength of 58% ABV without any age information. It means "the man from Islay."

A charcoal-flecked, smoke-driven peat hovers over the nose. And a complex blend of a campfire, iodine, and husky lemon peel hints linger on the palate. The finish is moderately long with a thin, faintly bitter smoke and woody sweetness with a little tarry. It is just a little bit bitter.

A few drops of water amplify the lemon flavour while calming the smoke. Additionally, it exhibits a slight youthful grassiness. The finish and palate may both be a little sweeter and livelier. Water is welcome here, but make sure to try it at its fullest potency.

At this proof, the peat is overtly strong and fragrant, but there isn't much to support it. Even though the smoke predominates, young peated whisky is still young whisky, and the lack of character underneath cannot be concealed by the smoke. Nonetheless, if all you're after is intense smoke and high proof, this might do the trick.