On the nose, the deep amber gold liquid is said to carry an intensifying smoke character, with wisps of wood smoke lacing through fading embers, balanced with the fruity and sugary notes of juicy cranberries and red currants.
The full-bodied whisky of 56.4 per cent ABV then greets the palate with much of the same: Fragrant wood smoke with a touch of soft spices and a hint of caramelising brown sugars courtesy of raisins, red berries and peeled red apple skin, as wood polish, glowing embers and stewed plum surface and linger on.
As for the finish? “Smoke which climbs into the distance,” Morris said, as the whisky leaves behind traces of black peppercorn and baking brambles.
Simply and elegantly housed, this iconic piece of fresh history will be available for purchase from October, priced at £7,500 (US$10,168; S$13,042) a bottle, either at the distillery itself on Islay by appointment, or by enquiring with the private client team in Scotland.
Those who visit the distillery can also taste this exclusive release during a commemorative experience from October, alongside historic cask draws and samples of rare Prima & Ultima (which refers to ‘first’ and ‘last’) editions, bottled as part of Diageo’s series of highly-collectible whiskies.
