Shieldaig Islay Single Malt

Peat, sweet, medicinal, smoke, earthy, bold, sharp, long lasting

I have been burnt by Total Wine brands in the past and told myself enough already and sworn them off. Alas the attraction of low price single malt keeps calling but I held my ground and refrained. We've all had the total wine employee pitching one or another house brands only to be disappointed in the end. They were at it again as I scoped out the Islay section....Oh have you tried this Shieldaig, its said to be Caol Ila you know. Yeah right sure I thought and blew him off. Just then some guy rushes down the isle stops where I am looking and grabs the last two bottles of this stuff. I left intrigued to say the least. For whatever reason this was out of stock every subsequent visit making me want it all the more. I strolled in the other day with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie promo truck outside the store and blam this was in stock on sale for $19.99. Talk about a setup for a big letdown. Ill tell you this is by no means as good as Ardbeg or Lap 10 or even wee beastie. I also do not know if this indeed is a Caol Ila product. What I do know is this is hands down the best budget Islay in existence. For 20bucks could be the best value scotch as well. Its got the nose and palate peatheads want. Plenty of ashy smoke and salty cured meats, malt and barrel. Not super deep or complex but great straightforward flavors. Finish is only soft spot but its an Islay after all so there is always good smoke duration even if it mostly trails off quickly. Looking for a smoke 'n coke partner you've found it. Im not trying to oversell this but at pricepoint it really is awesome. Easy repurchase without a thought and also a great way to introduce someone to peated scotch. Keep expectations in check and you will be very pleased....85/100...bump for value

Great starter islay. Really gives the peaty campfire smoke taste for a great price. It is a little weak but for a $25 dollar single malt that is to be expected. If your unsure about islay scotch and don't want to drop 50 dollars on laphroaig this is an excellent cheaper alternative

New to drinking non-flavored whiskey. Has a nice, strong smokey petty smell. The flavor is not bad either, still don’t know how to describe it but that smokiness comes through in the taste. Has a delayed burn though that lingers in the back of the throat.

Love smokey whisky and always rate it high. Pure gold colour. Head-spinning aroma of smoke, peat, leather and unwashed shoes. Oak in the background. The taste of sandthorn and Madera wine. Alcohol just tingles first, but burns in the aftertaste. Nice whisky. Upd. Was drinking again. Also noticed smoked meat and snacks in the taste. Also carbolic acid and gasoline on the nose. Crazy stuff. N: 24, P: 21, F: 20, B: 20. 2 bottles consumed. Bought it at a tasting in Polly's Kitchen in Moscow with Gordon Dundas, Ian Macleod Distillers brand ambassador.

As everyone else is saying good for the price just a wee drop of water opens up the smoke, peat and makes it a bit smoother. Not much of a nose. But overall a good budget Islay.