Islay Mist 17-Year Blended Scotch Whisky

ISLAY MIST 17-YR BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

This yummy little blend, a label founded by the then-owner of Laphroaig in the 1920s, is a tremendous value at $30.  Laphroaig juice does make up a portion of the current 17-year.  Easy-drinking and delicious, it will likely find a permanent place on my shelf- that is, if the OLCC can manage to allow sufficient quantities into the state.  The sole caveat with Islay Mist is that, despite the name, it's not a particularly peaty whisky, which is neither good nor bad, just a little counter-intuitive.

N: It shows creamy, mossy smoke and pine needles over stones-after-rain, with river clay, and a fruity component like tomato leaf and fresh-crushed grapes.

P: Hits the tongue with lemon candy and saddle leather, beautifully creamy and persistent.  The grain whisky is apparent here, but not obtrusive or raw-tasting.  It finishes with cinnamon meringue and a hint of gentle, ashy smoke.

MacDuff International Lmtd. give this short history of the brand:

     "Islay Mist Blended Scotch was originally created on the Scottish island of Islay in 1922 to celebrate the 21st birthday of Lord Margadale. It was thought that the local single malt scotch, Laphroaig, might be too heavy for all the guests’ taste so this unique blend of Laphroaig with Speyside malts and grain whisky was born."