Firkin Islay: Caol Ila 2010 Marsala - 48.9%

Although an independent bottler, Firkin Whiskies approach is a little more left field and owes much to the experimental nature of founder, Mike Collings.

Their approach involves taking a whisky of around 10 years old and giving it a second maturation in a custom 'double oak cask', seasoned with a fortified wine specifically chosen to match the spirit.

From the Top Whiskies website:

This is the story of two islands: Islay & Sicily and how they produced an award-winning whisky.

Firkin Islay combines the peaty smokiness of Caol Ila 2010 with the Muscat grape sweetness of Marsala. The flavours fuse together in Firkin Whisky Co's custom double wood cask. Their unique process mellows and softens the peat. Firkin Islay is a new take on a classic Islay whisky.

Bottled: Natural colour and without chill filtration. Outturn: 325 Bottles

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thin line which beads before falling as slow, oily legs.

Nose: Sweet glazed meats on the barbecue, malted milk, fruits of the forest jam.

Palate: Sweet honey glazed barbecue pork at first, gradually turning to a drier, 'burnt ends' kind of smokiness.Lemon citrus, sweet red berries and a little orchard fruit follow, together with coastal salt and a little spice.

Finish: Long and lingering, more bonfire smoke and red fruit together with maritime saltiness. A dry, tannic oak astringency adds length and interest to the finish.

Summary: This is a truly impressive whisky, a perfect marriage of the Marsala cask influence and the smoky, maritime nature of the Caol Ila spirit.  A lovely balance of sweet red fruit, soft peat smoke and coastal salinity which work so well together. There is an element of ginger and peppery spice in there, but it adds flavour rather than heat.

The Ledaig 2008 Marsala cask was one of my favourite whiskies of 2021, and I’m delighted this Caol Ila is every bit as good. Priced at £69, which is excellent value for money for a whisky of this quality. The only surprise is that it hasn't already sold out.

If you would like more information on Firkin Whiskies follow the link to the company website. 

This whisky and the range of Firkin whiskies are available at Top Whiskies, which can be reached by clicking on the image below.