Staoisha 2013
Style: Single Cask
Cask: #10518
Year of distillation: 2013
Bottled: 2022
Age: 9
Region: Islay
Cask Type: Hogshead
No. of bottles: 317
ABV: 54.7%
Release: Summer 2022
Jonny McMillan
“Peatier than Granny McPeat waist deep in a peat bog during the Annual Islay Peat Wrestling Championship.”
Tasting Notes
Peat is the order of the day here. Powerful aromas of peat smoke, new leather cedar, smoked haddock and coastal breeze present themselves immediately, though a little time shows a nice backbone of vanilla running through. The palate is similarly dominated by peat smoke, wool jumpers, charcoal and ash, all held together by a pleasingly sweet oak character and a burst of lemon zest. The finish shows more peat smoke, hints of digestive biscuit and a little drop of coconut.
Distillery
On the Hebridean island of Islay, many of the whiskies produced are renowned for their distinctive peaty style and often very smoky flavours. These whiskies have many devotees and have achieved cult status.
Doug says: “Staoisha is the peated make from one of Islay’s distilleries which generally produces unpeated spirit. Reputedly first produced to replace Ardbeg in a famous Islay-heavy blend, Staoisha is a serious, pungent, powerful whisky that will please even the most ardent peat-seeker.”