This whisky taught me three things. First, never fully trust a sales clerk's recommendation, as store staff might be pushed to promote certain brands over genuine knowledge. I should have known better, and now I certainly do. Second, don't be fooled by the packaging; the fancy container, embossed label, and solid bottle suggest quality, making it look superior to competitors on the shelf. The nose, typical of its Islay origin, is pure peat, which carries through to the taste. However, that's all there is – no balancing barrel notes or brine. It's a one-dimensional whisky. Thankfully, the short finish prevents excessive peat. Third, mixing good whisky with a poor one doesn't improve it; it usually degrades the better spirit. I'm unsure what to do with the remaining bottle.
Grangestone Islay Blended Malt
3.33 Mixed reviews
Whiskey Scotch Islay No age statement 40% ABV
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About this bottle
Grangestone, a bottler and blender based in Surrey, England, is owned by William Grant & Sons through a subsidiary. Their Islay Blended Malt originates from undisclosed distilleries on the Isle of Islay and reflects the heavily peated character typical of distilleries on the island's southern coast. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 7 parsed reviews.
They stock it at total wine and promote it because of a contract. I experienced their 21 year expression thanks to a deceptive sales clerk and it was terrible. It reminded me of a cheap 12-year highland. This was $25, so I decided to give it a shot. It strongly resembled a smokier version of jb rare. It's smooth and easy to drink, but lacks substance. The flavors were balanced and subtle, smoky and sweet. As an islay blend, it's immediately recognizable. Certainly not for those who crave intense peat. All things considered, it's not a bad tasting whisky, and for the discounted price, I'd get it again.
Neat: Nose - peat, iodine Palate - sweet, smoky Finish - slight burn, short taste, long smoke smell, slight salty With Water: Nose - more peat, less iodine Palate - sweet, salt, peppery, medium burn Finish - short taste, long smoke smell, iodine
An intense Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. It starts aromatically with grain, wood, herb, and spice notes. A rich mid-palate adds vanilla, culminating in a long, intense finish with smoky peat. Sampled June 2016, reviewed August 2022.
I consider this a fantastic Scotch, offering peaty/smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness. Purchased for $29 in Tucson, AZ.
fantastic considering the price
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Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
