For our Distiller’s Choice range, Head Distiller, John McCarthy has tasted a selection of different spirits of various ages, and maturing in a variety of casks, with the aim of finding something extra special. Resting Spirit of Broadside in Islay cask 04 has yielded just 307 bottles, packaged at 57.15% (100 proof). Born of beer and aged in oak, Spirit of Broadside is an eau-de-vie de bière and quite a rarity. Normally made from fermented fruit, eau-de-vies are quickly distilled to retain their lovely flavour. Spirit of Broadside is produced in a similar way and is the direct distillation of fermented beer. The resulting spirit is matured in French oak barrels, but for this limited release, it has then been finished in an Islay cask. This process has added those characteristic smoky, medicinal notes you would find in a peated whisky, and has given an additional layer of complexity to the most unique spirit in the Adnams portfolio. Broadside's strength of character is ideally suited to the process as its flavours carry through in this very different expression.