In the first batch of 15th Anniversary bottlings from The Nectar, there was this Secret Islay 2013, a 7-year-old single malt matured in Port wood. The wood type is confirmed by a slight salmon tint.
Nose: a clear medicinal side up front. Bandages, cigarette ashes and iodine. On a second level there is a hint of cassis, jammy plums and blood orange. Maybe some faded potpourri. Nicely coastal and the Port is well balanced, but overall it feels less full than I would have expected.
Mouth: a little sweeter and candied now. Strawberry candy, plum and redcurrant jam and something of sweet marmalade. In my opinion this sweetshop profile doesn’t mix too well with the coastal edge, savoury pepper, cold ashes and iodine tingle. The slightly fragrant edge is more prominent now. Some late liquorice and sea spray in the end.
Finish: medium length, with smoke, liquorice and a hint of red fruits.
Based on the profile we expect this to be distilled at Laphroaig distillery, which has a certain experience with Port casks as well. The candied/fragrant profile doesn’t convince me entirely but I’m not a big fan of Port casks in the first place. Around € 90, still available in shops around Belgium.