Islay Single Malt, 8 Years, 40% ABV, $50

This my first Islay Scotch and I’ve really been looking forward to the experience. I’ll just dive right in.

Salty seawater, orange and lots of smoke. I think I need to give this one some room to breath. Okay, the smoke has settled down some and the orange has become orange peel and shortbread with just a hint of creamy vanilla. I also detect a faint spruce tree. I was expecting a note of iodine based on what I’ve heard, but this may be coming through as the fir for me. Anyway, its time for a sip. The taste is a lot of peat and oily smoke… not my favorite. Now, I do get a taste of iodine that persists for quite a while. Also, not my idea of a desired flavor. Other flavors I detect are vanilla and pepper.

Master of Malt says:

A peaty 8 year old Single Malt from a secret Islay, bottled by Ian Macleod as an introduction into malt whisky.