Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
2008 Vintage - 7 years old
46% ABV (92 proof)
~$100 (sample provided)
Color: pale gold
Smell: big and classic peaty Islay character. Maritime salt spray, band-aids, and kalamata olives. Also a nice sweet backbone of honey and pears. Lovely. Very well-balanced, and no one aspect is overwhelming any other.
Taste: wow, really nice. There is gentle honey and fruity malt notes on entry, along with some saltiness. Then the midpalate really brings the peat smoke, rubber, and fatty salty meat flavors into a medium-long finish. Lovely stuff.
Overall: easy "A," and highly recommended. $100 is not cheap, but in my opinion this stands above both Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10. Definitely worth a pour at a bar, or score a bottle if you're feeling baller.
