At our July meeting, we sampled eight bottles from Islay, all matured in sherry casks. We're still recovering. The line-up included rare collectors' bottles and recent releases:
Ardbeg 1990 for Symposion International Sweden
Bruichladdich 1998 Manzanilla Cask
Bowmore 21 (1972)
Bunnahabhain 1979 Signatory
Caol Ila 1993 Murray McDavid
Lagavulin 1989 Distillers Edition
Laphroaig 1989 Old Malt Cask
Port Ellen 1982 DL Platinum Old & Rare
The Arbeg, Laphroaig, and Port Ellen were the overall favorites of the night. Sherry cask Laphroaigs are exceptionally rare and expensive, so the recent release of this one at only $115 was serendipitous. The Whisky Exchange sold out of them within a day, but they only had 12, so others must be out there.