Ctrexman
Shieldaig Islay Single Malt
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
May 1, 2021 (edited November 30, 2022)
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
20.0
USD
per
Bottle
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Try it with ginger Ale and a dash of bitters on the rocks. I like it in a Collins glass...
@ContemplativeFox ........Yes value is strong, I might take a chance on the 14yr for $56
I've heard that CI rumor about this before. Whether it is or not, good to know that this is a good value!