Islay Mist, 17 years, Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% abv.

According to Macduff International, Islay Mist was made in 1922 to celebrate the 21st birthday of Lord Margadale of Islay (who I think becomes Baron Margadale). It was believed the malts from the local Laphroaig distillery would be too strong for some guests, so they blended Laphroaig with some Speyside malts and grains. However, another story is that in 1927, Hugh Morrison of Islay House (guy who basically owned Islay) reserved some Laphroaig for his son's 21st birthday, but Ian Hunter felt it would be too strong for some non-local guests. Ian made several blends of Laphroaig with some Speyside malts and had Hugh Morrison select the one he liked best. Eventually, Islay Mist became quite popular to Ileachs and in 1992, was acquired by Macduff International. I assume the modern version retains a similar composition to the one blended by Ian Hunter in 1922 or 1927. Interestingly, for a 17 year old blend it has food coloring added and was chill filtered, but then again I think contemporary JW does the same thing.

Nose: chemicals, apple grape juice, turpentine, transforms into a humid, dew-like cleaned bathroom smell.

Palate: very light, simple, a little sour on initial taste, wood and peat on the back palate. Is this really associated with Islay?

Finish: short, hints of green grapes, slightly metalllic.

Pretty light, feels Islay-like only on the back palate. Note sure if the Islay mafia portion of the blend is quite minor or if the quality of the Islay mafia portion wasn't of good provenance... or maybe both? For a 17 year old Islay-based blend, I expected more body and impact, which leaves me a bit suspicious. Moreover, in terms of price, there are better alternatives. Hmmm, I wonder if there are semi-hardcore smokey blends out there? Had this at Bar Entourage, Ulsan, South Korea.

Grade: C

Whisky advocate, John Hansell, 84 points
Ralfy, 83/100

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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