Going Islay!
 

I bought a bottle of Bowmore Legend when I was taking a taste tour of the various regions of Scotland. The Bowmore Legend is an inexpensive introduction to the Islay Malt, which (on first taste) was pretty overpowering.

I have since tasted the Bowmore, and really enjoyed it. I found that it was more enjoyable as a second drink, not a first. Unlike other whiskies, the Islay whiskies are still flavorful after drinking a lighter whisky first.

Over the weekend, I tried a Laphroaig 15yr while I was out at a local cigar bar. It was only a taste, and not a full dram, but I liked it!

I have an early edition of Michael Jackson's book on scotch, and saw that he rated the Lagavulin 16yr a 95. This was the highest score I remember seeing, and I also remembered seeing several people on the various boards saying the Lag 16 was their favorite drink.

When I found a bottle of Lagavulin 16yr at the local shop, I pulled the trigger and brought it home!

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This whisky is incredible! However, it set me back $80! This is the most expensive bottle I have bought, and I'd really like to find a less expensive bottle that still 'brings it' in the taste realm.

I was back at the cigar bar last night, and after first trying the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban and the La Santa (wasn't impressed with the QR, but did enjoy the LS), I ordered a Laphroaig Quarter Cask. It was quite tasty, but I did not get a very 'clean' taste, as I was smoking a cigar and (as mentioned) had already had a couple! In fact, I had just come from a wedding reception with an open bar, and had already enjoyed a few other whiskies (Red Label, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels).

I've taken the plunge, and have really enjoyed getting into the Islays!

Who else out there has enjoyed getting to know the Islay malts? What is your 'daily' dram, and what do you really enjoy when you have the opportunity?

Hi jwise,

Our whisky palates are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. The Islay malts I prefer are more in the style of Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain. These are usually more gentle Islays. (Although some of the recent offerings from both distilleries have a much peatier profile).

I have a 30 Yr Old Bunnahabhain from Signatory, which I have been sipping slowly over the past year. A beautiful malt with a Lavender Meadow nose and only a whisper of peat smoke. Not daily dram, more of a monthly dram. But it is the Islay I am enjoying the most.

I have not tried either of those two malts. You say they are the lighter Islays?

Actually I said 'more gentle' which is kind of the same thing. The difference in style is mainly in the peat. Both Bunnahabhain, and Bruichladdich, have in the past used very little peated barley in their malts.

The Bunnahabhain distillery is known for its gentle whisky. With mildly briny maritime notes, and fresh ripe fruit on the palate.

The Bruichladdich distillery is known for its aromatic whiskies. One example is the release of their brand new 16 Year Old 100% bourbon Finish. The nose is malty with green apple and ripe fruits, this leading to a sweet fruity finish.

Another gentle Islay is Jura, but I have not tasted any of their offerings so I can offer no tasting notes.

I should note that some recent offerings from Bruichladdich like the Octomore and the PC4,5 6 and 7, are all peat monsters. Pity for me, great for you.

I picked up a bottle of Jura 10yr today, and wasn't really thrilled with it. I don't have any comments yet, as I've only tasted it once, neat.

It definitely is no Laphroaig, or Lagavulin. It is an entirely different whisky.

I tasted the Isle of Jura again tonight. I tasted it neat, then slightly diluted, then again with a cube of ice melting in it.


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I found the whisky to be approachable, and unassuming. There is a definite hint of sherry both in the nose and on the tongue, and the finish brings in hints of peat and saltiness. It is a very decent whisky, not overpowering like some find the Laphroaig or Lagavulin. It may not be the first bottle I reach for, but it is a respectable whisky for those who enjoy a smoother, less spicy/peppery/peaty dram.

After tasting it again, I lit up a Rocky Patel 1990 Vintage and poured myself a glass of Isle of Jura. The cigar extinguished most of the taste that WAS there, but it was still pleasant to drink.

I love the Laphroaig Cask Strength - it so strong, almost like you can chew on it. It's funny though, after I opened it, it seemed to mellow over time - I bought a bottle to take camping last Memorial Day weekend, and only finished it about a week ago. I could swear I woke up with a hairier chest than when I went to sleep with when I first opened it, but it was almost gentle by the time I polished it off.

Bowmore 12 is one of my favorite to drink in the Winter next to a fire in my wood burning stove. Great peat, yet I find it to be so crisp and clean.

Caol Ila??
 

What -- no mention of Caol Ila in this thread. Anyone have any thoughts on how this compares to other Islays?

I've never tasted Caol Ila.

Coal Ila 12 y/o was the first single malt I ever purchased. For me, the nose is smokey, peaty, and medicinal. The taste has a smokey, peaty, peppery, sweetness to it and a long finish. I would consider it more medicinal but not as smokey/peaty as Laphroaig.

I recently got a bottle of Lagavulin 1991 distillers addition which is matured in sherry casks and is possibly my new favorite scotch of all time

I presume that medicinal is not a good thing?

Its a matter of taste...some like it, some don't...

Lagavulin 16 yr and Jura 10 yr
 

Have enjoyed these reads. I was just given a bottle of Lagavulin 16 yr old (it's $96 in Florida!) and a bottle of Jura $10 yr ($50 in Florida!). Was wondering if I should regift them or enjoy them. You have helped me decide that I will keep and enjoy!! I also have a bottle of the Bowmore "Celebrating 40 years of Success from 1966 to 2006" .. it must've been a special edition for a 2006 festival or something. Anyone ever heard of that bottle or know anything about it's value or taste?
Cally

I'm surprised that Jura 10yr goes for $50! That's startling... Lagavulin 16yr, on the other hand, is very good, and is in much more demand.

I would definitely keep and enjoy the Lag 16! Fantastic dram! The Jura offers some of what you find in the Lag, but in a much less dramatic expression.

Going Islay
 

Sounds good...have fun

Is the guy who was Steve something on EE going to be there?