Professional reviews
Serge Valentin (87)
Monbazillac is one of those sweet wines they make in the south-west of France, here around the city of Bergerac. The best ones will remind you of Sauternes as they share more or less the same grape varietals and the same methods of production. The prices are extremely reasonable, in my humble opinion. Miles Davis on the label is very cool, I just hope this wee whisky is not full of mistakes (If you do a mistake, repeat it and everyone will believe you did it on purpose – Miles.) Colour: full gold. Nose: it totally reminds me of Jean Donnay's Islays that he sometimes used to finish in sweet wines such as Sauternes, Cadillac, Monbazillac, Cérons et al. That was under his Celtique Connexion label, and that was a long time ago. Just imagine you would deep-smoke a combination of ripe apricots, muscat, mirabelles and perhaps elderberries and guavas. Fun stuff. With water: it's funny that just like in some old vintages of these wines, quite some menthol and lime blossom would come out. Mouth (neat): one of those extremely unlikely combos that do actually work, in my opinion. The wine is loud but it's more its citrusy side that bursts out, so we're pretty fine. With water: and there, menthol and lime tee, a wee mushroomy side, apricot kernel oil (that's uncommon and watch the prussic acid!)… Finish: rather long, still very expressive and pretty well balanced. Comments: a very cool combo. Wondering about what Miles would have said, maybe 'repeat these mistakes, son!' ;-).
Words of Whisky (88)
You'd have to enjoy your whisky sweet and smoky. If so, there's no reason to hesitate.
Nose
Very sweet with plenty of candied fruits, strawberry glaze and dates, as well as Maraschino cherries and a few drops of iodine, followed by soot and creosote. The cask has been very active here.
Taste
Sticky mouthfeel with plenty of sweet red cherries, but also charred meat with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Some burnt caramel and brown sugar too. And before I forget, of course there's plenty of peat smoke to enjoy.
Finish
Smoked paprika powder, burlap and a touch of smoked peanut skins. Long.
BOW (87)
Michiel Wigman's Sweet and Smoky Symphony: Unveiling the Secret Islay 14 Years Old Monbazillac Cask
In the realm of independent bottlers, Michiel Wigman has carved a niche for himself with a keen eye for exceptional cask selections and a passion for crafting unique whisky experiences. The Secret Islay 14 Years Old Monbazillac Cask, distilled in February 2007 and bottled in April 2021, is a testament to Wigman's artistry. Bottled as part of the They Inspired II Serie 2.1, with artwork and design by Hans Dillesse, this expression offers a rare and delightful journey into the world of sweet and smoky Islay whisky.
Crafting They Inspired II Serie 2.1:
Michiel Wigman, a distinguished Dutch independent bottler, has curated the They Inspired II Serie 2.1 with a meticulous approach to cask selection and flavor profile. The collaboration with artist Hans Dillesse for the artwork and design adds an extra layer of creativity to the overall presentation, making it a collector's item for both whisky enthusiasts and art connoisseurs alike.
Maturation on a Monbazillac Cask:
The Secret Islay 14 Years Old has matured gracefully on a Monbazillac Cask, infusing the spirit with the distinctive characteristics of the French sweet wine cask. This unique maturation process, coupled with the passage of 14 years, results in a whisky that promises a symphony of flavors and textures.
Tasting Notes:
The first encounter with the Secret Islay 14 Years Old is a revelation for those who appreciate a harmonious blend of sweetness and smokiness. The nose welcomes you with an abundance of candied fruits, strawberry glaze, dates, Maraschino cherries, and a subtle hint of iodine. The influence of the active cask is evident, introducing notes of soot and creosote, creating an aromatic dance that captivates the senses.
As the whisky embraces the palate, a sticky mouthfeel unfolds, accompanied by the richness of sweet red cherries, charred meat with a pinch of salt and pepper, and hints of burnt caramel and brown sugar. The peat smoke, an integral part of Islay's identity, weaves its way through the layers, adding depth and complexity to the tasting experience.
The finish is a lingering crescendo, with notes of smoked paprika powder, burlap, and a touch of smoked peanut skins. It unfolds slowly, leaving a long-lasting impression—a testament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Michiel Wigman's bottlings.
Conclusion:
Michiel Wigman's Secret Islay 14 Years Old Monbazillac Cask is a masterclass in balance and complexity. With only 355 bottles in existence, each one represents a carefully curated expression that showcases the artistry of both the independent bottler and the artist behind the captivating design. For those who seek a whisky that marries sweetness and smokiness in perfect harmony, this offering is an invitation to savor the nuances of Islay's spirit—a journey that transcends time and captivates the senses.
Angus McRaild (88)
You'd have to enjoy your whisky sweet and smoky. If so, there's no reason to hesitate.
Nose
Very sweet with plenty of candied fruits, strawberry glaze and dates, as well as Maraschino cherries and a few drops of iodine, followed by soot and creosote. The cask has been very active here.
Taste
Sticky mouthfeel with plenty of sweet red cherries, but also charred meat with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Some burnt caramel and brown sugar too. And before I forget, of course there's plenty of peat smoke to enjoy.
Finish
Smoked paprika powder, burlap and a touch of smoked peanut skins. Long.
