Tag: Islay Whisky Page 5 of 10

Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky from the Islay whisky region in Scotland.

Despite the small size of the island and the limited amount of distilleries, the Hebridean island of Islay is considered as one of the most distinct regions. Because of this, Islay has become a centre of “whisky tourism”. The whiskies from Islay are known for their powerful smoky, peaty character.

Currently there are nine Islay distilleries. They incude Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Port Charlotte. The famous Port Ellen distillery closed its doors in 1983. Bruichladdich is the only distillery on the island that merely produces unpeated single malt whisky.

Big Peat Blended Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 07/06/2020

In Blended Malt Whisky

I love the Big Peat releases. They are fun, original and most importantly, delicious. This week I am looking at the Big Peat that started it all. The Big Peat blended malt Scotch whisky, the original Ileac fisherman.

Last time I looked at the Big Peat 26 year old Platinum Edition and also at the Big Peat 10 yo whisky, but this release today was the start of it all.

This blended malt release from Douglas Laing was the first in their Remarkable Regional Malts series. Big Peat is a mix of whisky from Ardbeg (medicinal notes), Caol Ila (sweetness), Bowmore (balance) and Port Ellen (elegance).

Douglas Laing released Big Peat for the first time in 2009. The frowning fisherman in his signature yellow jersey has been featured on a variety of special releases in the past 10 years. His best known is the yearly Christmas Edition Limited bottling.

Also Read: Reisetbauer 12 yo Whisky

The Christmas Edition is usually bottled at cask strength to warm the coldest heart over the dark snowy Scottish winter with festive flair and zest. There is also a limited edition Big Peat 26 year old whisky that is just divine!

However, today I look at the start of the range; the bottle that started it all. Douglas Laing bottled Big Peat without added colour or chill-filtration. It is readily available and retails for around R650.

I chatted to Hector Mcbeth about this release over on Instagram, and he said that every bottle of Big Peat has a bit of older Port Ellen in. It is a NAS release with no added colour and non-chill-filtered. It is peated to about 40ppm.

Big Peat Blended Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Very pale gold

NOSE: Sweetness balanced with peat, barley and vanilla. Fruity sweetness with hints of chocolate and nuts. Soft smoke and little bits of salty ocean air. The nose makes me think of eating grilled peaches on the beach. Fruity with just hints of salt and peat.

PALATE: Ash, tar and peat. The sea breeze is blowing the BBQ smoke all around. Easy drinking and delicious. The sweetness from the nose is replaced with Islay notes. The sweetness comes through later with creamy chocolate, vanilla and bits of roasted nuts.

Even though it is a 46% ABV, you don’t need to add water. It goes down very smoothly with no alcohol heat. Water brings more grilled fruit sweetness to the front. Big and bold.

FINISH: A medium finish with bonfire ashes, peat and hints of white pepper.

RATING: EXCELLENT

I am a big favourite of the frowning fisherman. According to Hector, Big Peat is very popular in Belgium as well. I can understand why. He is easy-drinking, exciting and fun. The packaging is innovative, and the liquid is consistently delicious. I have yet to taste a Big Peat that I don’t like.

Looking at what food to pair this Big Peat whisky with, options include strong cheese such as blue cheese; I can see why that would work. The robust fisherman needs a strong taste to stand up next to.

The creamy nature of the blue cheese will work deliciously with the peat and ash from the whisky. Smoked BBQ ribs would also work wonderfully, and Hector suggests a tomato-based stew to match the acidity.

This dram also made it onto my favourite peated whisky list. You can read this article all the other peated drams that also made it onto the list.

Also Read: Great whisky gifts under R1000

Kilchoman Sanaig Single Malt Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/18/2020

In Single Malt whisky

Today I go back to Islay and a taste of something from the Kilchoman Distillery, the Kilchoman Sanaig Islay single malt Scotch whisky.

The Kilchoman Distillery (pronounced Kil-ho-man) is a Scottish distillery on the northwest of Islay. Anthony Wills founded the distillery around 2005, and it remains a ‘farm to bottle’, family-run distillery. It is one of the smallest distilleries on the island.

Kilchoman uses barley grown on-site and malted at the distillery, as well as malt from the Port Ellen maltings and releases separate bottlings depending on the source of the grain. The fermentation time is around 85 hours, which is longer than the average 60-75 hours in the industry.

Also Read: Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky

Kilchoman Sanaig single malt was launched worldwide in 2016 and is named after a rocky inlet northwest of the distillery. It has no age statement. The Sanaig is aged in a combination of ex-oloroso sherry and ex-bourbon barrels (70:30). It is peated to 50ppm and not chill-filtered and with not coloured.

It is part of the Kilchoman core range. Other releases in the range include Kilchoman Machir Bay and Loch Gorm. In South Africa, it retails for around R880 and is (was before Covid) readily available.

Kilchoman Sanaig Islay Single Malt Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Light golden wheat

NOSE: Oak, peat and earthy notes. Fresh grass with a fruity sweetness in the background. Bits of tar poled and ash mixed with orange peel and smoke. Soft sweetness with caramel and vanilla and a hint of coffee.

PALATE: Ash and wood with honey sweetness and green, fruity notes. Bits of plums, cherries and toffee mix with peat, smoke and dark chocolate. Rich and bold with water softening the earthy peat notes and bringing more fruit to the fore.

A good balance between peat and sweet notes. Interesting to note that the peat appears to be more Highland peat style with more green notes and no seaweed and iodine medicinal notes.

FINISH: Long and warming with notes of spices, brown sugar and smoke.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Different than the more traditional Islay single malt whiskies, but nevertheless delicious. I loved the interplay between the smoke and peat and the vanilla sweetness. I had tried one other Kilchoman release before this one and did not particularly like it.

So I was not very keen to open this bottle, but John convinced me to give it a go. And I am glad I did. It is a delicious dram that is perfect for winter. It warms you up nicely.

Also read: Port Askaig 8 yo Whisky

Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/27/2020

In Whisky of the Week

I tasted the Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine Islay single malt Scotch whisky for the first time a couple of years ago at a function when Pierre Meintjies poured me a tot. It was delicious, and I asked John to buy me a bottle.

Originally it was only available in travel retail, and he brought me a bottle on one of his trips via Heathrow. I decided to try this again as I need something to cheer me up after nearly 30 days of Covid lockdown.

Bunnahabhain distillery was founded in 1883 near Port Askaig on Islay. The name Bunnahabhain is Gaelic for Mouth of the River. It is different than the traditional Islay malt whiskies. Milder and softer with a lightly peated taste compared to the other well-known heavier peated whiskies.

Since 2014, the distillery has been part of the Distell portfolio and is one of nine active distilleries on the island.

Eirigh Na Greine translates to ‘morning sky’ in Gaelic. It is a reference to the colour of the morning sky on Islay. Bunnahabhain mature this single malt is exclusively in French ex-red wine casks. It is now available more widely than just travel retail.

The Bunnahabhain core range includes the 12 year old single malt whisky, the 18 year old and the 25 year old Scotch whisky. There are various independent bottlings as well as special editions and Distillery releases.

I see that Wild About Whisky has a few bottles left. The Eirigh Na Greine whisky is not too expensive either; it retails for just over R 1050 in South Africa.

Bunnahabhain single malt whisky is produced not chill-filtered, with natural colour.

Also Read: Lagavulin 16 yo Whisky

Bunnahabhain Eirigh Na Greine Whisky Review

REGION: Islay

ABV: 46.3%

COLOUR: Warm, amber-gold

NOSE: Red fruits, some sweetness, oak with hints of Merlot red wine, raisins and nut and vanilla. Is that the smell of salty sea air in the background? Rich and delicious.

PALATE: Big, bold and delicious. Pears cooked in red wine, with sultanas and stone fruit. Hints of paprika, sea salt, black pepper, oak and red berry sweetness. Well balanced with a medium body. Bit of alcohol heat that is tempered by a few drops of water.

FINISH: Quite long, sweet and drying with bits of spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

This dram is just as fantastic as I remember. When you taste whisky at a special event, there is always the risk of event bias. Because everything around you is beautiful, your mind can interpret the food and whisky you are having as delicious. When you taste it later in a normal environment, you wonder what you were thinking.

This Bunnahabhain whisky did not disappoint. It is rich and elegant and simply delicious. Just what I need after four weeks of being confined to our house. It warms my heart and makes me smile. I am pouring a second glass.

But after that, I am stopping. I need to ration myself as alcohol sales are still prohibited in SA, and I don’t know when I can stock up again.

Hopefully, it will not be too expensive one day when things return to some sort of normal; this whisky is worth getting. The Eirigh Na Greine is a beautiful tribute to the golden-red Islay mornings. My heart is happy.

Also Read: Macallan 15 vs Glenfiddich 15 yo Whisky

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 04/20/2020

In Single Malt whisky

A Port finish release from Islay is not something you see every day. Today I try the Laphroaig Brodir single malt Scotch whisky. Over the years, my palate has evolved. In the beginning, I was not able to appreciate the peaty whiskies.

I found the Ardbeg and Octomore releases to harsh for my sweeter palate. But as I was exposed to more and more whisky, I learned to appreciate and even enjoy the more earthy drams. Now I am quite happy with a peaty Octomore or Laphroaig.

Whisky with some sweet notes remains my favourite. However, I discovered peated whisky, aged in Port, sherry or rum casks, and I fell in love. I find the balance between the earthy notes and the sweetness perfect for my palate.

One of my favourite ‘sweeter’ peated whiskies is the Laphroaig PX Cask. The balance between the spice and sweetness combined with earthy peat is wonderful. Looking at the Laphroaig range, I saw that the Laphroaig Brodir single malt had a Port wood finish and this is something unique I have to try.

I have captured tasting notes for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the Laphroaig 10 yo and also covered some of the Laphroaig history. The distinctive Laphroaig’s flavour comes in part from its closeness to the coast and the high moss content of the peat, which is processed in the distillery’s own floor maltings.

The Laphroaig Brodir Batch 001 single malt whisky was originally released in 2012 as an exclusive bottling for a Scandinavian ferry. Laphroaig launched Batch 002 in 2014. Brodir is the ancient Norse translation for the word “brother”, which is a nod to the ancient connections between Islay and Norway.

Laphroaig Brodir Whisky Review

Laphroaig Brodir is a NAS release. The whisky was first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a second maturation in European oak casks seasoned with Ruby Port.

REGION: Islay

ABV: 48%

COLOUR: Dark copper

NOSE: Seaweed, soft iodine and heavy, rich port notes. Hints of tropical fruit, red berries, salty sea winds and smoke. Cinnamon and nutmeg mixed with bits of peat and a light chocolate note.

PALATE: Tobacco and ash mixed with fruity sweetness and dry oak. Peat and cream with some wood spice, toffee, marmalade, plums and salt. Quite sweet, but in a sticky sweetness kind of way. Medium-bodied. It comes over disjointed and unbalanced. Water makes it slightly more drinkable.

FINISH: Peaty smoke with pepper and cinnamon and a port sweetness.

RATING: GOOD

An interesting experiment, however, I battled to finish the glass. It is heavy drinking and somewhat sweet. Not something I would rush to try again.

Brodir is not even close to as refined and smooth as the Laphroaig PX Cask. The sweet notes overwhelm the peat and leave some raw edges. Probably my least favourite Laphroaig I have tasted so far. Not to far ahead of the Brodir is the Laphroaig Four Oak whisky. I found this release similarly uninspiring.

Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/24/2020

In Whisky Comparison

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
In this latest installment of our side-by-side whisky comparison series, we delve into the world of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa, two exceptional single malt peaty expressions from the renowned Ardbeg distillery on Islay.

Peaty Ardbeg has unquestionably earned its status as a cult favourite globally in recent years. Whisky enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each Ardbeg Day, hoping for a special release to capture their hearts.

Yet, while the limited editions are indeed enticing, it is the core range that truly shines. These readily available, relatively affordable bottles are the true stars of the Ardbeg show. John’s favourite is the formidable Uigeadail, while I have a soft spot for the softer An Oa whisky.

What could be more enjoyable than a head-to-head comparison of these two peat-driven titans? It’s my favourite versus John’s favourite, and we’re about to uncover the nuances that set them apart.

Also Read: Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Ardbeg An Oa Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg An Oa whisky with glass Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
Let’s begin with the Ardbeg An Oa Islay single malt whisky, a pivotal addition to the core range since 2009. Named after the Mull of Oa in the southwestern part of Islay, this expression draws its inspiration from the Mull’s ability to shield the Kildaton from the harshest Atlantic storms, marking the island’s southernmost point.

The maturation process of Ardbeg An Oa involves a blend of casks, including PX, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon. These elements harmoniously meld in Dr. Bill Lumsden’s innovative French oak ‘Gathering Vat.’ Notably, Ardbeg An Oa remains unchill-filtered, preserving its full character and complexity.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

Review and tasting notes Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky with glass Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky comparison
On the other hand, the name Ardbeg Uigeadail single malt Scotch whisky originates from the Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning ‘dark and mysterious place,’ paying homage to the loch from which Ardbeg sources its peat-laden waters. This particular expression marries the traditional smokiness associated with Ardbeg with the rich, raisiny notes imparted by old ex-Sherry casks.

Launched in 2003, it has consistently garnered awards, a testament to its exceptional quality.
In a milestone year, 2009, Ardbeg Uigeadail was bestowed the title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Murray lauded its “utter silky brilliance” and the “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.” This whisky holds a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs.

Also Read: Ardbeg 10 vs Talisker 10 yo Whisky

Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa Whisky

Uigeadail vs An Oa whisky comparison

	Ardbeg An Oa	Ardbeg Uigeadail
Region	Islay Whisky	Islay Whisky
ABV	46.6%	54.2%
Colour	Light gold	Light amber
Nose	Peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. In the middle sweet vanilla floats about mingling with bits of toasted nuts and pine needles. It’s complex, subtle and different all at once. Faint smoke lurks around.	Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It's complex and rich.
Palate	Ash, peat, soft honey, sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar, hints of chocolate and toasted oak. Faint hints of lemon pepper. It’s smooth and velvety. Water softens the few rough edges and adds more sweetness.	A huge mouthful of peat! Malt, fruity sweetness and bonfire. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through. Some medicinal notes and dark chocolate.
Finish	Smoothly with a long and lingering finish that hug and comfort you like a favourite jersey. Filled with sweetness and bits of nut.	The finish is long and lingering. Starting off with raisins and honey it ends with notes of smoke, pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed.
My Rating	Divine	Excellent
Comments	Rich and comforting.	The finish is beautiful!
Price	$65	$90
Pairs well with	Strong Cheese, salmon sashimi and pulled pork	Roquefort cheese, smoked lamb or very dark chocolate

We had a delightful afternoon on the patio tasting and debating which of these two remarkable whiskies reign supreme. Fortunately, we had a friend visiting from Australia, a fellow peat enthusiast, who proved the perfect addition to our tasting panel.

The Uigeadail single malt is a powerhouse, boasting bold, in-your-face peat intertwined with salt and medicinal notes. Fruity sweetness, Christmas cake and sherry mixed with raisins and dark chocolate.

In contrast, Ardbeg An Oa exudes an elegance where peat is gracefully balanced by sweetness and gentle sea breezes. Honey, hints of vanilla and cinnamon, toasted nuts mingle with creamy oak and lemon pepper.

Both are undeniably delicious in their own right. However, the An Oa’s creamy sweetness and balanced complexity tip the scales slightly in its favour. It’s the kind of whisky that’s approachable (so much so that we nearly polished off the entire bottle). Yet, it harbours a complexity that keeps you intrigued with every sip.

And as luck would have it, I had some blue cheese and crackers on hand. The pairing of this robust cheese with the peaty whisky created a symphony of flavours that can only be described as a moment of perfection dancing on your taste buds.

There’s no definitive winner in the debate of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa single malt whisky; it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you favour the bold, smoky embrace of Uigeadail or the elegant complexity of An Oa, both whiskies are a testament to Ardbeg’s mastery in crafting exceptional peated spirits.

So, gather your friends, pour a dram of each, and embark on your own journey to discover which one speaks to your heart the loudest.

I have also looked at the side by side comparison between Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whisky and evaluated their differences.

Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jim Beam Bourbon