I like Islay and peat, and this is a very affordable bottling sold by Total Wine. It’s from an undisclosed Islay distillery (odds are Caol Ila) and it’s a brand of Ian Macleod. I had seen positive reviews of it (no, not from employees) and at the price, even if it were terrible it would be worth trying. So, how is it?
Minutia: Neat in a glencairn, rested a while because I got distracted.
Color: Chestnut Oloroso Sherry, 1.2.
Nose: Seashore funk, smoke. Thin, but in that a light, crisp fruitiness.
Taste: Peaty, subtle, maybe a bit rubbery. A tiny bit off, not the highlight of the dram.
Finish: Big brine, earthy and herbal.
While it’s not something you want to savor in your mouth, the finish is nice. For its cost it’s very good (under $20). If you’re on a budget and like the general Islay profile, this is a good choice. If you're looking to be more discerning, it’s not the best. They offer an older, much more expensive expression I’m curious about, but it’s very low on my priority list.
Score: 71
SMWS Name: A favor for a friend
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