The Six Isles Blended Malt

Nose: An initial wave of peatiness is followed by a hint of iodine and citrusy lime. The nose isn't overpowering but is quite pleasant. Color: Pale straw – no artificial coloring. Palate: A moderate peatiness develops into a sweet citrus that transitions smoothly to a slightly tart lemon citrus finish. It's smooth, and the finish, while not exceptionally long, transitions very well. The level of sophistication at this price point is delightful. After the citrus fades, a hint of peat and an echo of smoke remain. Considering the cost, this is a great dram and a genuine surprise. It's 43% ABV and best enjoyed neat. I'd rate it 3.5 stars, or 91 on my scale. It would almost earn 4 stars when price is factored in, except for one noticeable flaw. The peatiness, which is lovely and balanced when the bottle is first opened, doesn't last and fades rather quickly. By the time you reach the end of the bottle, you're left with a citrus flavor, and the peat is just a memory. Still, for $60 in Australia, this is excellent. Frankly, in this price range, you're usually in the realm of bland blends made from various quality grains and caramel coloring. The Six Isles possesses a touch of class that they can't replicate, demonstrating that modern blended whiskies are leading the way for affordable spirits. Addendum: The initial peat on the nose and palate doesn't linger, but the underlying peat does emerge if you allow it time. After tasting other great whiskies and reflecting, this deserves 4 stars when considering the price. If you desire a quick, quality introduction to the six isles, this is a great starting point.

Nose: Immediate and potent peat smoke – high-quality peat smoke. That slightly tart, fruity, oily smoke characteristic of this type. But then, more emerges: a sea breeze brings abundant brine, seaweed, and a more oily note, this time citrus oil. Excellent stuff – aromatic, crisp, and clean, even slightly herbaceous. Palate: An oily entry with smoke that intensifies into a peak of peatiness, citrus notes, light honey, and a touch of brine. It mirrors the development of the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and creamy. Finish: Medium/short. Sweet peat smoke fades into a darker profile. A hint of pepper on the finish. This is a solid recommendation for a novice seeking a smoky whisky on a tight budget. It's not just for beginners, though; it provides a complete representation of what smoky whiskies offer, all at an accessible price. For seasoned whisky drinkers, it remains a highly enjoyable dram, perfect for mixing and quite acceptable for sipping. Recent years have seen some impressive peat-forward malt blends (from Compass Box, Douglas Laing, etc.), and this is another welcome addition, especially considering its very reasonable cost. I would even consider it the finest affordable peated malt blend available. “Good”: 83/100 (3.5 stars)

A fantastic blended malt that showcases the single malts from the six Scottish islands with distilleries. This blended Scotch is smooth and clean, featuring hints of honey and biscuit, a subtle floral note in the mid-palate, and a touch of peat smoke throughout. The lingering finish invites another serving. Truly excellent. Seek it out. Encourage your local establishment to stock it.

The aroma is of gentle sea salt. It has fruity notes of apple. The taste is malty with some smoky saltiness. There's a touch of vanilla and butterscotch sweetness. A decent amount of peat is present. A short but pleasing finish. Notes of charred wood and brown sugar. A pleasant, lightly smoky scotch.

A wonderful blended malt that offers excellent value. It's very smooth and easy to drink, with gentle sweetness at the start, some complexity on the palate, and just enough peat on the finish to satisfy.

While not as intense as a Laphroaig, it still carries a significant saltiness. The other spirits help to moderate the palate. The natural coloration is quite appealing!