Adelphi’s Islay 10 Years is a characterful Islay single malt selected by Adelphi and distilled at Caol Ila, aiming for a clear balance between coastal smoke and bright, citrus-led freshness. At 10 years of age and bottled at 46% ABV, it sits in a sweet spot: assertive enough to satisfy peat lovers, yet composed and approachable, with smoke, fruit, and cask sweetness working together rather than fighting for attention.
The nose often opens with sea spray and clean, dry peat smoke, followed by lemony citrus peel and a soft vanilla note, with hints of green apple underneath. On the palate, the smoke reads more like bonfire embers than medicinal peat, supported by light sweetness, malty warmth, and a lively coastal freshness that keeps the profile crisp. The cask influence adds structure and roundness, making the whisky feel smoky, fresh, and well-knit. The finish lingers with smoke, citrus, and a salty coastal dryness that pulls you back for another sip.
Serving tip: Try it neat first to capture the coastal smoke and citrus precision. A few drops of water can broaden the fruit and soften the smoke without losing the Islay character.
About the producer: Adelphi is a highly respected independent bottler known for strict cask selection and releases that prioritise flavour and distillery character. When Adelphi builds an “Islay” expression around Caol Ila, the goal is typically to showcase Caol Ila’s clean, lemon-bright peated style and its unmistakable maritime edge.
