2013 Staoisha (Heavily Peated Bunnahabhain) 3 Year Old "John Milroy - K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

When I first saw this, I just couldn't believe that ANYONE would be so audacious as to be selling 3 year old single malt for $60 retail. Yes we've tasted great ultra young single malt before, but it's usually at least 5-6 years old. Even if the spirit off the still is enjoyable and drinkable it doesn't provide the depth and complexity of an aged malt and shouldn't be considered in the same category. Needless to say I ignored this special whisky at the proposed price point. Fast forward several months and multiple rounds of negotiating, I finally bothered opening the sample I'd received. I know that seems bullheaded, but sometimes if it doesn't work on paper there's almost no way to make it work in the glass. I realized how dumb I'd been as I sucked the last drops from the small vial they'd sent. Now this is by no means at slam dunk at $60, but it is wonderful heavily peated absolutely drinkable Islay Single Malt that I could have easily made a case for on multiple fronts. It's not the grappa-like spirit we see in young Taliskers or Caol Ila at this age. It's surprisingly fleshed out and robust, but with tons of sweet malt and salty fruit to balance the intense smoldering well defined peat. The nose continues with crispy bacon, snappy clean smoke and the most subtle impression of salted kippers being opened across the table from you. Textured, oily, and bold on the palate with a long finish that's really gripping. Ultimately my stubbornness paid off considering we're able to offer this cool little whisky for an astounding price, but I only wish we'd been able to secure more than 20 cases. Notwithstanding our incredible price on Laphroaig 10 year, this is easily the most exciting peated whisky under $40 in the store period.