Jim McEwan Signature Collection 2.2 Port Charlotte 2010, First Fill Bourbon barrel, 10 years

Jim McEwan Signature Collection 11

Distilled on 7th July 2010 this whisky spent its whole 10-year life maturing in cask #1415. This maturation took place in a 1st fill Bourbon barrel originally from Jim Beam Distillery.

Established in 1795, in central Kentucky, Jim Beam Distillery is still working to the original values of its founder some seven generations later. The world’s number one bourbon, they mature casks for four years imparting flavour and sweetness, not only to their spirit, but eventually influencing many of the Scotch whiskies which we enjoy.

Bottled in February 2021 as Release 2.2 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 59.4%, it yielded only 257 bottles.

Jim’s tasting notes;

Aromas & Flavours - Brilliant Islay opening, with the peat smoke combining beautifully with charred oak staves. Throw in some Atlantic surf and storm-shredded seaweed. Sprinkle on Heather in bloom and mellow bourbon oak and you get the aroma of freshly baked scones. A drizzle of wild honey, a squeeze of lemon, charred oak, caramelised sugar and succulent soft fruits like peach and pear.  Floral hints of Daffodil and Lily combine with a drift of Atlantic coastal winds, Islay grown barley distilled by genuine islanders and, finally, time and patience.

It’s that easy, but have a dram or two before you attempt to make your own.