Jim McEwan Signature Collection 2.3 Octomore 2013, First Fill Bourbon barrel, 7 years, 62.3%

Jim McEwan Signature Collection 2.3 Octomore 2013, First Fill Bourbon barrel, 7 years, 62.3%

Distilled on 28th March 2013 this whisky spent its whole 7-year life maturing in cask #1872. This maturation took place in a 1st fill Bourbon barrel from a mystery American distillery. The malt for this is recorded as being peated to a mighty 107PPM!

Bottled in February 2021 as Release 2.3 of the Jim McEwan Signature Collection, like all bottlings within the collection, it was bottled un-chill filtered, with no added colour, and natural at cask strength of 62.3%, it yielded only 256 bottles.

Jim’s tasting notes;

Body - Assertive with understated power

Aromas & Flavours - Opens on a super fresh salty sea breeze and on the slipstream, the peat smoke lingers like storm clouds on the Atlantic Horizon. Its pure West Coast DNA shines like a beacon on a stormy night. At once graceful and strong, this blockbuster delivers on all fronts. I recommend just a wee drop of water to release the spicy overture of bourbon, the first occupant of the cask.

On the palate are maltiness and nuttiness, pepper and lemon honey, sea spray and burning heather.  Sheltering quietly, are beautiful coastal overtures of sea pinks, riverbank marigolds, wild mint, and sweet and smoky Islay-grown barley. For this young Warrior, the time is now. No restraints.  No looking back at seven years in solidarity.  The Islay spirit drives it to run free, embracing all who have the pleasure of its company.

 When will we see the likes again!