MacLeod's Island Single Malt

This 2020 bottling of a dark horse single malt proved to be a very respectable dram for its cost. Aroma: A subtle peat smoke and sea spray on the nose, complemented by evident sherry cask sweetness. Nutmeg and spice notes emerge as it opens. Very well balanced. Flavor: Smooth. The sweet sherry cask effectively delivers the lightly peated, salty character of this whisky. Nutmeg and spice persist. The cask management and blending are high quality. It tastes approximately 8 years old. Finish: Sherry cask sweetness and spice linger, along with a hint of sea spray. Final thoughts: a very good non-age-statement release, likely a young Talisker or Highland Park. It's exceptionally smooth and easy to drink, but lacks the complexity and character of its sibling, Macleod's Islay. I enjoyed both and would repurchase.

A moderate amount of peat smoke and iodine saltiness mingle with sweeter sherry notes and a soft woody character. The saltiness has hints of an Islay, though with a sweeter profile. This spirit.