However, if it comes from the Isle of Islay I'll bet it's pretty tasty.
The author also seems to compare Scottish Whiskey with Irish Whiskey. There are worlds of difference.
I will admit to a fondness for one particular product from the Isle of Islay. That's Talisker. It's by far and away one of the finest single malt Scotch Whiskeys I've ever tried.
L
It rates an 86 from the pro tasters (the highest ever recorded), but you've got to love the smokey peat aroma to get to the glass for your first sip.
Laphroaig!
Gesundheit.
Talisker is distilled in Carbost on the Isle of Skye. Talisker is one of my favorites as well and I was just in Portree (about 5 miles away) a few weeks ago. Bought a few bottles for myself and friends.
Talisker is from Skye, farther north than Islay.
I died and went to Heaven, actually Islay, last September, and toured several of my favorite distilleries there.
The island is rather small, but has eight distilleries on it! The whiskies are all characterized by their smokey flavor, which often pleasantly surprises those who claim not to like whisky.
Each of the distilleries is situated right on the ocean, at the mouth of a stream. Islay is covered in peat, and as the water percolates through it, it takes on the dark color of that material. When you first see it, you might think the water looks polluted.
The distillery with one of the most stunning views anywhere is Coal Ila. It sits right across from Jura, with three 2500' mountains (the Paps of Jura) that rise right out of the ocean across the sound between Islay and Jura. If I ever win Powerball, I'm buying the place, and the drinks will be on me.
You can only get to Islay via a ferry or by air. If you're into remote, unspoiled areas, like your whisky, into Celtic culture, and enjoy 12 mile long beaches with not a sole to be seen anywhere, you should make it a stop next time you're globetrotting.
Laphraoig! Seaweed and iodine! It’s great after being out in the cold/rain all day, sitting around the fire. Aargh.