Whiskey Del Bac Ode to Islay is a heavily mesquited American single malt whiskey priced at around $90. The December 2024 batch is aged in New American White Oak barrels and finished with rye, Sauternes and Pineau de Charentes casks.
A wild combination of three 100% malt mashbills AND three different finishes, Whiskey Del Bac’s Ode to Islay pushes the boundaries of what it means to be an American single malt.
The taste starts off with vanilla and a subtle hint of mesquite smoke that builds to a nice peak with touches of Christmas spices and toffee, along with hints of peaches and apricots in the background.
I believe the best way to innovate and create is to borrow from the past while creating something wholly forward-thinking, and I believe that with this expression, Whiskey Del Bac shows great promise as a long-lasting brand. My biggest lament is that I'll soon be finished with the bottle and will likely not find another anytime soon.