The Whiskies of Islay and the Western Isles of Scotland

Johnny-B-Goode

The Whiskies of Islay and the Western Isles of Scotland

The Whiskies of Islay and the other Western Isles of Scotland are my favorite category. Strangely, my favorite overall which is not in this group. These Island whiskies have the most appealling, interesting tastes and aromas (the nose) that can be found in the world of Whiskies. The complexities are quite amazing! The flavors can be very intense and concentrated which is perhaps why the appeal so much. Some will find the the character of some of them rather too medicinal (particularly Laphroaig) and some will find them to overpowering on the palate but out of all of the which I will refer to there should be at least one which would be worth exploring.

While these comments reflect my own interest in this fascinating subject (and yes I have tasted all of them) I have used the writings of Derek Cooper and Wallace Milroy both (experts on the subject). The other reference source are the writings of David Daiches the Scottish historian.

Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Islay

This present distillery was established in 1815 altough it's origin goes back to around 1794. The nose is pleasantly peat with just a hint of sweentnes to it. The taste is full but not overpowering but rather luxurious and satisfying. The fiinish on the palate is longlasting. Milroy implies that you could use this delightful whisky after dinner perhaps as alternative to cognac. It is not so powerful in flavor as to put a beginner offit's well worth tasting

Bowmore, Islay

This is the oldest legal distillery on the island of Islay having been established in 1779 though Milroy suggests aroun 1770. It uses the waters of the Laggan River to produce an excellent single malt. As you take in the first nose you will be impressed by the light, even delicate peaty with a gentle smokey quality. It has a very well balanced palate- not too heavy but not light. It's nice and smooth yet flavorsome. This would be my personal recommendation as a starting-off whisky from Islay. They used to aged the whisky in sherry barrels but I believe that is no longer the case (please correct me if I'm wrong about this).

Bruichladdich, Islay

Built in 1881 on the shores of Loch Indaal it is oppsite the Bowmore distillery. The water has always come to the distillerry by pipiline from a reservoir further inland. Cooper has suggested that this may be the reason for a lighter qualities of this malt. The nose is on the lighter side of medium. The flavour is full (as we expect from Islay malt) but it lacks the overwhelming power of Laphraoig. It's an enjoyable dram before dining or indeed anytime.

Bunnahabhain, Islay

This distillery was built in 1880 or1881 and the malt it produces is detected in The Famous Grouse blended whisky. The nose is definitely while the flavor is rounded. It has less weight and power on th nose and palate when compared to the other malts of Islay. So, while it is a superb and enoyable dram it is not typically what we would expect from Islay

Caol Ila, Port Askaig, Islay

Established in 1846 on the shores of the Sound of Jura/ Sound of Islay the distillery was rebuilt in the mid- seventies which allowed doubling the output. It's a difficult one to find- I've seldom found it in a bar here as most of it is used for blending or for export to the Italian. I've only tasted this one twice. They were dated for different years and were bottled by William Cadenhead the independent bottlers and whisky bonders/ merchants of Edinburgh, Scotland. The details of which years I tasted have evaporated but they were bottled straight from the cask- unfilitered and not caramelized or adulterated by dilution. My recollections are clearly of a slightly peated nose withe th taates being medium to light and quite round, well balanced

Isle of Jura, Craighouse, Jura

Originally established around 1810 by the Campbells of Jura and rebuilt in the mid sixties (production started in 1963) the firsting new bottlings were released in 1974. The original buiding was lest without a roof and derelict to avoid taxation in mid 19th century. The author George Orwell wrote Animal Farm at Barnhill farmhouse on the island. I have tasted the 8 and 10 years bottlings and they have the characteristics more have in commom with Highland malts that with the its cousins of Islay or Skye. The nose is pleasantly dry and only very lighly peaty (the 8 years was young and fresh) and the taste was full but delicate. Enjoyable.

Lagavulin, Port Ellen, Islay

Lagavulin was established in 1816 there were illicit stills here at 'the mill of the valley' from around 1740 or 1750. The castle nearby had been a refuge at one time for Robert Bruce and served as a stronghold for the Lord of The Isles (the title is presently held by HRH Prince Charles). The malt from this distillery is nothing less than majestic and may be an acquired taste. The distinctly power peaty and smoky. The heavy and rich taste is anticipated by the nose-- total satisfaction of the senses. Milroy correctly classes L Lagavulin as 'a giant' of a malt and 'one of the best'. Once again I agree with him. It is the stuff of dreams; almost too good to be true! Definitely a classic!

Laphroaig, Port Ellen, Islay

Along with Lagavulin, Laphroaig is another personal favorite. Established in 1826 it is bottled at 10 years and 15 years of age. The building is situated on the shore ar Port Ellen and if the weather is fine you will be able to see the coast of Ireland. The character of this unique Islay malt is far removed from any whiskey of Irish distillation or indeed any other Scotch whisky. It's location by the sea is reflected n its powerful mell and taste. The nose is iodine and seaweed and the taste is suggestive of sea salt and may also be likened to 'cough mixture' as Cooper puts. Probably not suited to general or casual drinking it may be at its best after a hearty dinner. There is an excellent blended whisky- the 8 years old Islay mist which has a good proportian of Laphroaig , but balanced with Glenlivet and Glen Grant as well as the more neutral grain whisky which may serve as an excellent introduction to the delights of Laphroaig.

A a side note; I have had the pleasure of this whisky unfiltered., un-altered, bottled directly from the cask. It had a completely different set if characteristics. Oddly, it was lighter and more delicate.

Talisker, Carbost, Isle of Skye

Situated on the picturesque shores of Loch and referred to as a 'King o' drinks' by the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson it was established in 1830 (Milroy states 1830-33) by the brothers MacAskill of Talisker House who obtained a lease from MacLeod of MacLeod. It at a number of sites on Skye. There was a disaster in 1960 when the distillery was burned down.. The rebuilt distillery now imports the malt from the Scottish mainland for the distillation process. The nose is sweet, rich, very powerful. The is a unique explosion of smokiness and peat with a delightfully sweet finish. A excellent malt.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

This distillery goes back to 1823 (1798, Milroy) but closed in 1924 as economically unsound. It was re-established in 1972 only to be placed in the hands of the receiver not long after. It was re-opened in 1978 by a wealthy businessman from West Yorkshire, England. The original whisky was known as Old Mull. The present bottlings are labelled Ledaig. It has a refined, fruity bouquet on the nose. The taste is soft and subtle- easy to drink and enjoy.

If you get the chance to taste and experiment with some of these single malts I hope you are not disappointed! Please feel free to comment! Very Happy

Enjoy!

Regards

Gordon

claire · Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2002 2:22 pm Post subject: Islay's single malt

Good evening JbG,
Thank you for this complete and interresting information.
It sure makes me thirsty Wink

Take Care

Johnny-B-Goode · Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2002 5:53 pm Post subject:

Hi Claire! Very Happy

I'm pleased you find it interesting--It makes thirsty reading the notes also (and I've only had coffee today!). I hope you can find some are to your taste.

Thanks for commenting-- see you soon. Wink

Regards

Gordon

phoenix22 · Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2002 10:36 am Post subject:

Lagavulin, Port Ellen, Islay is the only one I've tried.......guess I better investigate Wink

Johnny-B-Goode · Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2002 10:55 am Post subject:

Hi JD!

May you have many hours of fun and enjoyment as you explore; and may the Gods be kind to your liver! Twisted Evil

As thr Reverend Gulp M. Downe once remarked,"Go, my son, and be filled with the spirit! Wink

If you enjoy Lagavulin the chances are you'll also enjoy Talisker from the isle of Skye. Very Happy

Regards

Gordon

Ralph · Private Joined: Jun 23, 2002 Posts: 39 Location: USA

Very nice review ; thanks . Now I need to do some tasting . I tried Lagavulin recently and after my first sip , I said WOW ! Takes a bit of getting used to . Powerful flavor of burnt oak . Lingers with you .

Johnny-B-Goode · Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2002 6:01 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ralph!

Lagavulin is really good-- nice and rich. You're right about the oak. The 16 years (well that's the age we can get it at over here) in the barrel gives it plenty of time to get the oils from the wood. Once tasted, never forgotten....

As I said to JD if you like Lagavulin you might enjoy Talisker----very tasty and classy! Laphroaig might seem a bit over the top- like someone's trying to play a joke on your taste buds--you'll likely love it or hate the taste totally. The 10 years Laphroaig is good and the 15 is a bit more refined. Worth trying if you happen to come across it.

Regards

Gordon

phoenix22 · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2002 12:15 pm Post subject:

Hey Gordon, thanks I will investigate..............but what about my head Question

Johnny-B-Goode · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2002 12:48 pm Post subject:

phoenix22 · Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2002 9:43 pm Post subject:

COBBLERS2U · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:06 pm Post subject:

Laphroaig 10 year old Cask Strength at 57.3% is great.
Ardbeg a cheaper version of the Liquid Disinfectant as my wife calls it is worth a try for lovers of Lagavulin.

_Ralph_ · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:04 pm Post subject:

Glad to see some people are still searching for the finer things in life ! I tried to taste all of the scotches that Johnny Be Good talked about and found 2 which are the best of the best . Balvenie 21 years PortWood at 43 % alcohol and Glenmorangie 10 year old at 57.2 % . I have not tried the Laphroaig but will surely seek it out . Thanks , all the best , Ralph

Blast · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:12 pm Post subject:

Hey there _Ralph_

Nice to meet you,

Hey considering that Johnny Be Good posted that list back in Mon Jul 29, 2002, you must have had a bloody good taste, I'm impressed

I would be on my ear, if I had tasted for that long. You are a legend in your own lifetime

cheers........

_Ralph_ · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:59 pm Post subject:

Blast , Thanks for the commmmpliment ! Hiccup Wink

COBBLERS2U · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:11 pm Post subject:

Johnny, as the foremost expert on the drams i woul be honoured for your advice.
I have been bought a bottle of The Balvenie 15 yr old single barrel hand bottled, cask no 3390 bottle no 79. cask date 1988.
My dilema is, should I drink it or save it?
Is it a collectors item that will appreciate in value or is the value better going down my neck now?


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