A.D. Rattray Cask Islay Vatting #2 Scotch Whisky
A.D. Rattray Cask Islay Vatting #2 Scotch Whisky is a 46% ABV (92-proof) small-batch Islay single malt — a vatting of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry hogsheads sourced directly from small bodegas in Jerez, Spain — from an undisclosed Islay distillery, bottled by independent bottler A.D. Rattray. Peated to 35 parts per million and aged fewer than ten years, this 700mL bottling marries bourbon-wood sweetness with genuine sherry-cask depth behind Islay smoke. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Size: 700mL (store tag — US listings show 700mL and 750mL both; verify bottle)
- Aging: No age statement — fewer than 10 years; ex-bourbon barrels + ex-sherry hogsheads from Jerez bodegas
- Origin: An undisclosed distillery on Islay, Scotland
- Production: Small-batch single malt, 35 ppm phenol; Double Gold, SFWSC 2017
Islay Smoke, Jerez Wood: The Cask Collection's Vatting
A.D. Rattray's Cask Collection is built on cask sourcing most blenders can't touch — here, sherry hogsheads bought directly from small Jerez bodegas rather than the usual cooperage pipeline. Vatted against ex-bourbon barrels at 35 ppm peat, the result is Islay with a Spanish accent: bonfire smoke over raisin, walnut and dark chocolate. Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2017) and Double Gold in New York (2016) suggest the formula works. A.D. Rattray has been blending and maturing Scotch since 1868, and this vatting shows the independent bottler's craft at its best — a distinctive take for any scotch whisky shelf.
Tasting Notes
Peat smoke and sherry on the nose — campfire, raisin, dark chocolate. The palate is full and layered: smoke, dried fruit, malt sweetness, oak spice from the Jerez wood. Finish is long, drying, smoky-sweet.
How to Enjoy
Neat to appreciate the bourbon/sherry interplay, or with a splash of water to lift the fruit. A strong pour for the peated-whisky shelf and an easy recommendation for sherry-cask fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as "Batch No.2"?
Retail and importer listings call it Batch No.2 — the specs match the store's "Vatting #2" title exactly; the bottle label should be checked to confirm.
How peated is it?
35 parts per million — firmly smoky, in the classic Islay register.
Where can I buy it online?
This 700mL bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor — it ships from San Diego, CA.
Jerez sherry wood meets Islay peat — order Cask Islay Vatting #2 online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.