Elements of Islay is a well-known series from Elixir Distillers, bringing together different Islay whiskies bottled as blended malts. Sometimes they also have limited editions or single casks with a smaller yield than usual.
Elements of Islay Beach Bonfire relied on new oak, bourbon barrels, refill casks and sherry casks in the mix. There’s no mention of distilleries as far as I know.
Elements of Islay Fireside on the other hand comes from re-charred hogsheads and sherry casks. Here they mention Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain as the components.
Beach Bonfire – Islay Blended Malt (54,5%, Elixir Distillers ‘Elements of Islay’ 2023)
Nose: smouldering barbecue, with burnt herbs and a sweetness of butterscotch and lacquered meat. Thyme and rosemary, along with tobacco leaves and a pinch of salt. Then sherry notes rise, like dried figs and raisins. It is a warm Lagavulin-like smokiness, rather than the more medicinal character of Laphroaig for instance. Hint of marzipan, black peppercorns and sweet dough underneath.
Mouth: nicely intense, with a youngish raw note but also plenty of warmth. Salty notes are back, but so are the caramelized walnuts and fudge. Then a bit more medicinal and sooty elements, along with raisins, plenty of wood smoke, aniseed and hints of freshly sawn oak. Always this herbal element underneath, sweet and sharp at the same time.
Finish: medium length, alternating between toffee sweetness and lemony freshness. Smouldering ashes in the very end.
A really good daily dram with a nice depth and beautiful sooty side. The average age is probably not very high, but it does offer intensity, reasonable complexity and a nice balance. While it seems to be sold out in the UK, there are bottles available from German stores and other European countries.
Fireside – Islay Blended Malt (58,9%, Elixir Distillers ‘Elements of Islay’ 2024, 264 btl.)
Nose: slightly more narrow, with a bit more alcohol heat. Higher-pitched notes of orange peels, later also darker hints of cocoa and strawberry jam. Then herbal notes, but fresher and less charred than Beach Bonfire, along with light leather. Slightly more coastal, with clean smoke. Hints of raspberry in the distance.
Mouth: a cleaner and oilier profile again, with more charred orange peels, smoked lemons, iodine and balanced peat. It feels younger and rougher, showing less warmth than Beachfire Smoke, and less sweetness too. Some berry fruits, rather elegant sherry and some peppery prickle.
Finish: medium, mostly on oak spice, a hint of leathery dryness and oranges.
Another good mix of peat and sherry, in a slightly lighter / colder style. Great balance, although Beach Bonfire had more depth to it. I believe this was released for Feis Ile 2024 and it’s still available here and there (albeit with a slightly different ABV and no bottle numbering). Score: 85/100