Ukrainian Whisky Connoisseurs Club named after A.Ya. Savchenko has nurtured for a long time the idea to experiment with maturation in vintage Massandra fortified wines casks.

In 2016 we were lucky to find a unique cask at the best winery of southern Crimea, where the popular port wine “Livadia” was produced. The winery was a property of Count Vorontsov. During 50 years, this cask has been used only for Livadia port wine maturation in Count Vorontsov’s cellars, which were near Alupka city. For the further maturation in this cask, our experts have chosen a pure island peated whisky from an eminent Caol Ila distillery.

The choice for Caol Ila distillery was not accidental. In 2006, Alexey Yakovlevych Savchenko, who was the first president and founder of the Club, visited Islay for the first time and took there a memorable photo in front of this very distillery. This photo still welcomes all our guests at the entrance of Whisky Corner restaurant. Therefore, we dedicate this release to Alexey Yakovlevych and his first visit to Islay.

So, the union of the unique Massandra and the classic Caol Ila casks took place. In 9 months, after a long waiting and regular checking, the experts decided to empty the cask. During this time, whisky acquired a bright ruby colour with hints of old Bordeaux. Dried grapes appeared in the aroma with notes of sea salt, hazelnuts and tea rose. The taste has become more complex, in the foreground, there are explosive peated notes and ripe berries, as well as oyster flavor that goes into a long coal aftertaste.

We can describe it endlessly, but it is better to uncork the bottle and see for yourself, how amazing is the combination of smoky whisky and Massandra port wine.