Tastes

Seems young and a bit thin. Not much on the nose. Good taste with more complexity than you’d guess from the nose, short finish. Glad I tried it, but glad it was on sale.

Not nearly as peaty as I expected based on the review here or based on the fact that the blend includes both Caol Ila and Talisker, but extremely well balanced otherwise. Probably even worth the price which was comparable to a single malt of similar quality. Nose: mostly Maltiness with a bit of fruit, old leather, and just a hint of smoke. Palate: nicely balanced, still no real peat or smoke flavors but the rest of the scotch flavor spectrum is well represented. I never say this in reviews, but this one has good mouth-feel. Obviously a blended malt with no grain whiskey. The finish is where you finally notice the islands character. Much longer finish than you’d expect based on the softness of the nose and initial smoothness. If I could find it cheaper (or get a hefty raise), this could be a daily drinker.

One of my favorites. Probably a top three among the Islay whiskies I’ve tried.

Nose of banana peel and ethyl acetate (nail polish remover), but not quite as bad as that sounds. Very sweet and a little astringent. Short, but not unpleasant finish with no lingering after-taste or alcohol burn. Ice intensifies the banana/solvent experience , but does bring out some complexity on the tongue. Not something I’ll seek out again, but curious how it will mix for cocktails.

A really nice blended malt whisky. Always pick it up when on sale cheap. I usually drink my scotch neat, but this one is great with an ice cube. Nose of honey citrus and subtle herbal almost floral note. Malt, honey sweetness and a bit of alcohol on the palate. A bit of oak and spice on the finish.

Intense smoke and iodine, but more balanced than the 10 y.o. with oak and sherry character.