Taster’s Club Best Islay Scotch In 2024
Written by Emma C | Updated May 2024
If you're seeking an adventure in the world of premium spirits, look no further. Imagine yourself on the enchanting Isle of Islay, where the air is thick with the scent of peat and the landscape is a tapestry of heather moorland and serene wetlands. This small Scottish island is not just a haven for whisky enthusiasts—it's a living gallery of nature's marvels, from dolphins dancing in its waters to eagles soaring overhead. Known for its bold, smoky single malts, Islay offers a taste experience like no other. Here at Taster's Club, our seasoned experts have curated a selection of the Best Islay Scotch whiskies, each bottle a testament to the island's rich heritage and distinctive character. Discover these exceptional expressions in our bottle shop and awaken your senses to the true essence of Islay.
Taster’s Club Best Islay Scotch in 2023: Available in our Bottle Shop
1. Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Brace your taste buds for one our favorite Islay Scotches. Ardbeg Corryvreckan, named after the treacherous whirlpool north of Islay, captures the daring spirit of those who brave the abyss. This peaty powerhouse delivers swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peppery taste, creating a beautifully balanced dram that mirrors the tumultuous Corryvreckan. Not for the faint-hearted, it was awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards, solidifying its place among the boldest and most revered whiskies of the world. Dive into the depths of flavor and embrace the untamed allure of Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Pepper, dark druits | ABV: 57.2%
2. Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Laphroaig® Quarter Cask undergoes a distinctive double aging process, intensifying its profound peatiness while introducing delightful sweetness. Inspired by traditional whisky transport using smaller quarter-sized casks, this expression showcases the liveliest characteristics in our range. Unlike the notion that bigger barrels equate to superior flavor, Quarter Cask challenges expectations. Initially maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels, the whisky is then transferred to smaller casks, intensifying its interaction with the wood. This results in a dram with hints of coconut, banana, and vanilla, harmonizing with our signature heavy peat.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Palate: Woody, Pine, Toffee, Malt, Smoke | ABV: 43%
3. Lagavulin 16
Discover the distinct flavors of the islands of Scotland with Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This 86-proof whisky has the intense, full-bodied flavor reminiscent of a driftwood fire at dusk. The taste of dry peat smoke with strong maritime notes results in a complex dram complemented by a long, elegant finish.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Palate: Malt, Sherry, Fruit, Peat, Oak | ABV: 43%
4. Kilchoman Machir Bay
Machir Bay, Kilchoman’s signature peated single malt, is a vatting of Kilchoman matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. Named after Islay’s most spectacular beach, the high proportion of bourbon barrels creates a distinct balance of classic Islay character and fresh floral complexity.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Palate: Tropical Fruit, Dried Raisin, Smoke | ABV: 46%
5. Bowmore 15
Matured first in bourbon barrels then in Oloroso casks, Bowmore’s 15-year-old Scotch is a fine example of a sherry cask finish whisky. The final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks give Bowmore 15 its rich, deep color and robust warming finish.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Palate: Woody, Pine, Toffee, Malt, Smoke | ABV: 43%
6. Port Charlotte 10
Port Charlotte's 10-year-old is conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled only on Islay. Made from 100% Scottish barley, it’s trickle-distilled through tall, narrow-necked stills for a balanced, heathery style of barbeque smoke.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Oak, Smoke, Sea Salt, Custard, Cream, Grape | ABV: 50%
7. Bunnahabhain 12
Bunnahabhain’s 12-year Islay single malt Scotch was the beginning of the brand’s core range. Non-chill filtered and natural in color, this expression lets you taste the origins of Bunnahabhain with an alluring balance of sweet fruit, nuts, and vanilla, along with a delicate coastal influence.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Sherry, Nut, Malt, Sultana | ABV: 46.3%
7. Cao ila 12
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky comes with a rich yet subdued, citric fruitiness. With a sweet start, the whisky ends with a lengthy, slightly sour finish. Perfect on its own or mixed in a cocktail, this award-winning whisky is best enjoyed when served neat in a rocks glass, adding ice or a splash of water for taste.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Tar, Smoke, Cooked Fruit | ABV: 43%
9. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie
This signature bottling and the definitive Bruichladdich Scotch showcases the brand’s classic, floral, elegant house style, The Classic Laddie is made from 100% Scottish barley, trickle-distilled, non-chill filtered, and free of coloring.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Apples, Grapes, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar | ABV: 50%
10. Compass Box The Peat Monster
In 2019, Compass Box created a new label for The Peat Monster and its evolved recipe, in honor of its 10th anniversary limited release. All batches of The Peat Monster released since 2019 now feature this specially commissioned artwork.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Peat, Oak, Floral, Bacon, Papaya | ABV: 46%
With these Taster’s Club picks for the best Islay Scotch for Valentine's Day – all available in our bottle shop – you’ll always have options whenever you need to stock up your home bar or offer your guests something special. Each Scotch and the distillery it hails from is unique, making these bottles very interesting to learn about and experience. If you prefer a more curated experience, though, that’s totally understandable, and we’ve got a solution for you. Simply sign up for our Scotch Club and leave the work to us.
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