Professional reviews
Words of Whisky (85)
Nose: Meaty and savoury. Beef jerky, smoked paprika powder, bacon and red berries. Also textbook sweet peat with a nice salinity, nori and cranberries as well. Finally somewhat earthy with a touch of minerals, sage and other herbs. Becomes more medicinal with time.
Taste: Pickled lemons, herbs and even some light floral notes. That’s slightly different. There’s charcoal, a pinch of salt, medicinal touches and peat smoke as well, but those are less of a surprise. Also some star anise and burlap.
Finish: Herbal with sweet peat smoke, rubber and some gentle red fruits. Long.
CONCLUSION
Not your average Islay whisky, I'm not entirely sure what to make of this Secret Islay 2011 10 Years from Michiel Wigman.
BOW (88)
Title: Secret Islay 10 Years Old: A Harmonious Fusion of East and West
Introduction:
In the realm of independent bottlings, the Secret Islay 10 Years Old by Michel Wigman stands as a testament to the artistry and collaboration that can arise in the world of whisky. Distilled in March 2011 and bottled in June 2021, this expression is part of the East meets West series, a joint venture between Michel Wigman and The Malt Affair in Singapore. With an intriguing maturation in a Port Barrique, this limited edition of 200 bottles showcases the convergence of craftsmanship, design, and international collaboration.
The East meets West Collaboration:
Michel Wigman, an independent bottler known for his discerning palate and dedication to unique cask selections, joined forces with The Malt Affair, a prominent name in the whisky scene in Singapore. The result of this collaboration is the Secret Islay 10 Years Old, a whisky that transcends geographical boundaries, marrying the expertise of the East and the West in the pursuit of exceptional flavor.
Artistry in Design:
Beyond the liquid treasure within, the Secret Islay 10 Years Old is a feast for the eyes, thanks to the artistic vision of Hans Dillesse. The label design captures the spirit of the East meets West series, with intricate artwork that hints at the fusion of cultures. Each bottle becomes a canvas, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate not only the whisky but also the craftsmanship of its presentation.
Maturation in a Port Barrique:
The journey of this Secret Islay expression takes an unexpected turn with maturation in a Port Barrique. This distinctive cask choice imparts a layer of complexity to the whisky, infusing it with the rich, fruity nuances characteristic of port-aged spirits. The marriage of Islay peat and port sweetness promises a tasting experience that is as bold as it is nuanced.
Tasting Notes:
As the amber elixir is poured into the glass, the nose is greeted with a symphony of Islay peat, mingling with the sweet embrace of port influence. The palate unfolds with layers of smoky richness, complemented by notes of dark berries, dried fruits, and a subtle spiciness. The 53.3% alcohol content adds a robust character, ensuring that each sip is a memorable exploration of flavor.
A Limited Edition Offering:
The Secret Islay 10 Years Old is not just a whisky; it's a collector's dream. Limited to a mere 200 bottles, this expression becomes a rare and sought-after gem for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The exclusivity of the release adds an extra layer of allure, making each bottle a coveted piece of the East meets West collaboration.
Conclusion:
In the Secret Islay 10 Years Old, the worlds of East and West converge in a harmonious celebration of craftsmanship and collaboration. From the careful selection of the Port Barrique to the artistic design by Hans Dillesse, every element of this expression tells a story. As enthusiasts uncork this limited edition release, they embark on a journey that transcends borders, savoring not just a whisky but a testament to the global spirit of the whisky community.
Malt Fascination (87)
Sniff:
A combination of Tawny port and a gentle smokiness. Older Tawny in style, with more oak influence than its younger, more fruity and familiar style. Coastal smoke with some salinity and dried seaweed. Earthy peat too.
Sip:
The palate has a rather typical Islay arrival. Quite some peppery bite, smoky peat, barley and a bit of oak. The Port is like a slightly fruity, but quite sweet and syrupy flavor chasing the whisky. They’re both present, but not really ‘together’.
However, since the Port doesn’t just appear every now and then I do find this quite interesting.
Swallow:
The finish initially leaves the port behind a little bit. It focuses more on barley, oak, smoke. Whisky flavors. Spirit flavors. There’s a touch of sweetness, but it’s not overpowering.
While the Port does make the whisky lose a bit of distillery character, and therefore makes the whisky a bit more generic, it leaves enough character to make this very much an Islay whisky. Quite a good one at that.
Much like this week’s Wu Dram Clan Secret Islay, it’s a very decent bottling, but I’m still having trouble matching the whisky, its age and its price tag.
