53.432 Take a step back in time (Vaults Collection)

Description

This Vaults Collection 31yo is one of two cask experiments from our Whisky Manager Euan Campbell, with one finished in an ex-bourbon cask, and one finished in an ex-Rye cask. 31 years of absolutely stunning maturation in a single ex-sherry butt before into ex-rye, this is one of the rarest Islay single casks ever offered up not just at the SMWS, but ever in Australia for members. Notes of waxed old wooden floors, bowling alleys, chamois leather, old tea leaves and the tiniest hint of old cellar rancio. An absolute masterclass.

We imagined spring cleaning a manor house the old-fashioned way. We rejuvenated the waxed timber floor with a mixture of beeswax and turpentine, using soft chamois leathers, and sprinkled the carpet with damp tea leaves before sweeping. On the palate, it was bursting with fruity sweetness before a salty, lightly ashy aftertaste. Following reduction the age was much more apparent, with centuries of cigar smoke in carpets and curtains, plus an elusive rancio note appeared at times. The taste was an absolute delight – elegant yet bold. At 27 years of age, we split the content of one sherry butt into two barrels. In addition to this first fill ex-rye barrel we also filled an ex-bourbon barrel to create an intriguing duo of releases.