McClelland's Single Malt Islay

OK day drinker

Bourbonish tastes without smoke. Not much water needed

Blind tasting Smoky and peaty but not much else and not a nice finish.

First peaty scotch. Interesting, I don’t hate it! Like a freshly put out campfire

I love the smoke so was looking for a low cost Islay to try as most are well over $40. This was only $20, went in with low expectations as reviews were mixed. At least its a single malt and theory is its from Bowmore as they own the McClelland brand(some speculate 5 yr old). Poured neat, clings to the glass pretty good. Solid peat smoke, bandaids and olives on the nose. As it opens the smoke wanes a little and salty cured meat moves in with some malt. Thin oily mouthfeel brings more sweetness than expected. Its malt, caramel and brine with char. Has a fatty/greasy note that comes as sweetness fades. Still brings some smoke but not as much as nose promises. Finish is medium with ashy smoke and greasy char. This lacks the refinement, intensity and complexity of the true peat monsters(such as Ardbeg).. its not on that level but is priced accordingly. What it does have is Islay smoke, good maltiness and a budget price, this bests blends in this range imo. Its not for everyone though, its kinda dirty and rough around the edges. It did grow on me though as I spent time with the bottle. I would pay the extra and get the real deal but for $20 this is a good cheap Islay intro. 72/100 ........If this is the Bowmore throwaway stuff Im looking forward to trying what they actually put their name on