Kirkland Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

I had heard a lot about the potential of Kirkland brand liquors and had tried their XO cognac, finding it decent but not outstanding. While browsing at the local Costco yesterday, I noticed this bottle advertised a 50% ABV. That's quite high for a Scotch, and it immediately caught my interest enough to purchase it. Tasted neat from a NEAT tasting glass last night for the initial experience. The aroma is subtle. It presents the expected iodine, peat, a slight honeysuckle note, and a trace of saline or marshy elements. However, it's all rather subdued. On the palate, it's slightly sweet, mildly smoky, and peaty, but not excessively so. In fact, it reminds me of a less complex version of a Signatory 8-year-old Caol Ila I previously tried. It's creamy, nicely flavored, but lacks ultimate depth, with a slightly hot, peppery finish. I prefer this over Ardbeg Wee Beastie; it's considerably less peaty but holds its own. It's better integrated, in my opinion. Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 8, Laphroaig 10, and Caol Ila 12 are all demonstrably superior. They are also typically twice the price. My primary interest in this bottle lies in its suitability for cocktails. I'm considering using it in Drunk Uncles and Rob Roys during the holiday season. I believe it might be ideal for such purposes. I will provide an update... Regardless of the final rating, recognize that this represents an exceptional value. $37 for a very respectable 100-proof Islay single malt Scotch whisky is always a good deal in my book. Recommended!

Very pleased with this, especially considering the $40 price point. While I've had superior peated Scotches and this tastes somewhat young, I suspect it's a Caol Ila blend primarily featuring younger casks with some older ones added to soften it and provide complexity. For $40, it's a bargain. Again, the value is evident, but as I'm not a major peat enthusiast, I'd only repurchase this if I were looking for an inexpensive peated Scotch. Nose: Classic peat and brine. It smells like standing next to a bonfire on the coast of Islay. Taste: Sweetness and peat. The smoke is very noticeable and slightly sharp. It has a briny and faintly medicinal taste. Despite the smoke, I detect almost no tobacco. The sweetness comes from a white fruit, like a pear or white peach. Finish: The smoke recedes into the background as the white fruit flavor takes prominence. Very enjoyable. Five minutes later, the peat is what remains, evoking an Islay campfire scene.

Served neat in a Norlan glass. The aroma has peat and a lot of ethanol, with subtle traces of caramel apple. The taste shifts from alcohol and smoke to some heat initially, which then eases into smoky notes. Sweetness with spice is found near the start of the sip. A light burn remains at the back of my mouth after swallowing, taking a while to reach my throat. Score: 3.25. Scoring Legend: 5.0 - Nearly perfect, something truly special about this whisky. 4.5 - Amazing, will always attempt to keep a bottle of this in my collection (if possible). 4.0 - Very Good, perhaps only one minor criticism prevents a higher score. 3.5 - Good, quite enjoyable to drink. 3.0 - Solid, wouldn't go out of my way to acquire it. 2.5 - Meh, still drinkable. Under 2.5 - If you possess a bottle of this, use it for cooking instead.

Nose - Salty, peaty, not overly pronounced but clearly indicative of Islay origin. Taste - It immediately fills the mouth with a briny, peaty blend (not medicinal like Laphroig), which then develops into a malty flavor. Finish - Smooth finish, with subtle smokiness as it departs the palate. At the end, I detect some sweetness, the slightest burn as I exhale, and a tingling sensation on the tongue and lips. Score - 3.75 Scoring Guide 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched by others 4.5 - Excellent, I would always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can be considered a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, drinkable but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless desperate

⏱️: First uncorking. Allowed to rest for about 5 minutes. 👀: A dull sheen, similar to unfinished metal, with some bubbles; unable to discern legs due to drinking from a plastic cup; 👃: Unable to detect much smoke from the cup, but it's noticeable from the bottle; primarily fragrant berries and a hint of stone fruit; 👅: Ahh...the smoke is definitely present here, striking powerfully like a boxer, with fruit and toffee, oaky notes; not tasted off the palate but present in the finish; 🏁: Thankfully, the taste doesn't linger excessively; the finish is brief, but the smoke makes you feel like Puff The Magic Dragon as it exits through the nose 👃

I envision this whiskey fitting perfectly within a stable, near the feed. I picture the stable hands sharing a dram, recounting the day's challenges and successes. Hay and mild smoke on the nose. The palate is smooth, with notes of cinnamon and a slight tartness, reminiscent of lemon curd on a Biscoff cookie. The finish is smooth, developing into a chili heat and warm peat smoke. Upon adding a little water... The aroma becomes more... medicinal? Like hay and lemons. The palate remains creamy, and the lemon flavor becomes more prominent, almost like peaches. The finish continues to be a warming peat.