MacDuff International (independent Scotch Whisky blenders) announce the first new addition to the Islay Mist range in almost 10 years.  Islay Mist Peated Reserve adds a smokier finish while retaining Islay Mist’s unique balance.  Created by master blender, Gilmour Burnett, this premium blend will be available in shops in the coming weeks in 700ml size and will soon also be produced in litre size for travel retail.

Islay Mist was created in 1922 in Islay 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 rare blend of Laphroaig with Speyside malts and grain whisky was born.

Review:

I was pleased to receive a fairly good sample of this courtesy of The W Club for review and comment. Here’s my thoughts:

This blended whisky has a medium golden colour, either possibly denoting some aged sherry whisky in it, or the use of some colouring, it’s hard to tell.

It’s a fairly light 40% (as far as I can tell at this point in time) leaving a nose that’s light, buttery and fruity with peaty smoke coming through. Right at the back is some bubble gum flavours.

On the palate, again this is light and fruity with a hint of spice and a dollop of peat and smoke shovelled in. It’s sweet and particularly smooth, easy drinking. There’s a slightly disconnected over sweetness at the end of the finish, with a few wood notes fighting to get out.

Depending on price (unknown at time of review) then this could be really quite a good buy if not too expensive.