Williamson 2013 / 11 Year Old / Oloroso Cask #213 / Berry Bros & Rudd Islay Whisky

Priya Sharma — Proper Islay punch in a sherry suit

8/10

This is what happens when you throw a big peaty Islay malt into an oloroso cask and let it sit for 11 years. Loads of dark fruit and smoke on the nose, then it hits you with that 59.8% — add a few drops of water and it opens right up into dried figs and coastal brine. Genuinely impressive for an indie bottling at this price.

Clara Johansson — Good but not life-changing

7/10

Nice enough dram, the sherry influence rounds off the peat nicely and gives it a sort of Christmas cake smokiness. At nearly 60% ABV it needs water, no question. For £89.50 though, I'd want a bit more complexity on the finish — it fades quicker than I'd like.