Stuart & Sons Islay Single Malt 17yo Cask #68

Stuart & Sons Islay Single Malt 17yo Cask #68

Region: Islay

ABV: 56.6%

Price: £150.00

Distilled in September 2008 and matured for 15 years in a refill bourbon hogshead before spending a further 2 years finishing in a first fill Oloroso cask. Bottled in November 2025. The distillery is undisclosed, but given it’s the only Islay distillery to hold a Royal Warrant granted by King Charles III, it’s a safe bet this is Laphroaig. Note a sample of this was sent to us, but in no way influenced our opinion.

Nose

An initial upfront hit of sherry leads the way, with notes of chocolate, gingerbread, and sherry vinegar, before the more medicinal spirit character starts to show. Sea spray, iodine, seaweed, and wet pebbles follow. Alcohol integration is good. Going back, we’re finding brisket smothered in ketchup, antiseptic, tea tree oil, burning wood, wet earth, prunes, and pencil shavings.

Palate

The palate opens with a little upfront peat, followed by bitter coffee, dried wood, smoked almonds, and ham. On the finish, a touch of pepper spice joins the ash. The mouthfeel is oily, with that ash really coating the tongue. However, we’re finding it’s quite mouth drying and leans more savoury than sweet.

Nose (with water)

Water has brought out rice crackers, streaky bacon crisps, and just more peat overall. It’s also still got all those pre dilution notes, and the alcohol has remained in good balance. We definitely think the nose benefits from a few drops of water, as it really opens up.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate has picked up more peat, but also more sweetness, which now balances things better for our tastes. There’s a definite marmalade vibe coming through. The mouthfeel and finish are both still good. While it remains on the savoury side, the flavours now feel better integrated.

Conclusion

We’re not one to usually add water to our Islay whiskies, but we do think this dram benefits from a few drops. It’s a touch more savoury than we personally prefer, and we’re sitting at around a 7 for this one, but do think others will enjoy this more than us. An interesting first release, and we’re excited to see what’s next.

Score: 7/10

Value

Yes, it’s a little pricey, but we’ve been told the custom cask used for finishing was particularly generous to the angels.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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