Elements of Islay Cask Edit showcases the best of both worlds: rich smoky single malts from the island’s southern distilleries balanced with lighter, fruity character from the north. Crafted without chill filtration, this whisky retains its natural complexity and texture. The mix of bourbon and sherry casks imparts both sweetness and depth, making it approachable yet bold enough to stand out in cocktails.
TL;DR – With a moderate 46% ABV, Cask Edit embodies the essence of Islay in a way that’s versatile and easy to enjoy for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Review: Flavor Camp
Photo: Reece Sims
Flavor Camps
Overall Rating
Total Score: 35.5/50
Aroma: 6.5/9
Taste: 7/9
Finish: 4/5
Distinctiveness: 2/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 6.5/9
Value for Price: 6/8
Appearance: 3.5/5
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Pale gold - The periodic table-style branding has a good interplay between modern and nostalgic.
- Aroma: A youthful expression, there's a smoked honey and pralines note that is followed by apples, baked shortbread, juicy pears, citrus and apples. The peat smoke is prevalent but well integrated.
- Taste & Mouthfeel: On the palate the smoke is a combination of medicinal (herbal) and tobacco-like. This is contrasted with baking spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), black pepper, coffee beans, toffee and a hint of saline.
- Finish: The finish is long, sweet, smoky, and slightly medicinal.
- Distinctiveness: Inherently this lacks distinction as it's a blend of multiple Islay-based distilleries' peated malts.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: It's the best of all worlds, if you're into Islay peated scotches! This could be a fun exercise to taste this alongside some of the individual Islay malts to compare.
Product Details
- Distiller: Blended by Elixir Distillers
- Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
- Age: No Age Statement (7-12 years approximately)
- Still Type: Copper Pot Still
- Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon & Sherry casks
- Origin: Islay, Scotland
- Composition: A blend of various Islay distilleries - 100% malted barley.
- ABV: 46%
- # of Distillations: 2
- Price: $85-$100 CAD (2024)
Comments / Notes:
Key points about Elements of Islay Cask Edit:
Composition: While they source from almost all distilleries on the island, it’s been said that this particular expression is mostly composed of Caol Ila and Laphroaig.
Periodic Codes:
- Ar (Ardbeg)
- Br (Bruichladdich)
- Bn (Bunnahabhain)
- Bw (Bowmore)
- Cl (Caol Ila)
- Kh (Kilchoman)
- Lg (Lagavulin)
- Ln (Bruichladdich – Lochindaal)
- Lp (Laphroaig)
- Ma (Bunnahabhain – Margadale)
- Oc (Bruichladdich – Octomore)
- Pe (Port Ellen)
- Pl (Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte)
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper Only
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Butterfinger Chocolate Bars
Cocktail Recommendations: Espresso Martini, Amaretto Sour (Morgenthaler Spec), Naked & Famous (instead of Mezcal use this), The Affinity
