Independent bottler sets up for island whisky festival
INDEPENDENT whisky bottler Elements of Islay is set to launch a new limited release blended whisky for the Islay Fèis Ìle whisky festival.
The new Fireside Edition will launch exclusively to the festival, which takes place between 24 May and 1 June, with 264 bottles before moving on to a wider global release.
For this whisky, head blender at Elixir Distillers – the firm behind Elements of Islay – Oliver Chilton said he took inspiration from the unpredictable elements of the island with the image of enjoying a smoky dram with friends during an Islay downpour of rain.
The final product brings together a blend of malts from two distilleries on the island’s north coast, matured in heavily re-charred barrels, American Oak Oloroso Sherry hogsheads and European Oak Oloroso sherry butts.
The resulting Elements of Islay Fireside expression comes bottled at 54.5% ABV with an RRP of £84.95 per 700ml bottle.
Chilton said: “Fireside is a simple blend of two distilleries and three cask styles, with rich, warmth, unctuous feeling brought in by Caol Ila matured in Pedro Ximenez, married with Bunnahabhain matured in American Oak Oloroso sherry hogsheads, giving a base of wood smoke and sweet spice.
“Lastly, we used some Caol Ila matured in re-charred Spanish wine casks that delivered sweet berry fruit notes and a sense of fun – inevitable when staying up late next to the fireside on Islay.”
