Introduction

I picked up this Islay blended malt from Hunter Laing largely out of curiosity. I’ve always had a soft spot for Islay whisky—the mix of smoke, seawater, and occasional sweetness is something I look forward to. This particular bottle isn’t from a specific distillery but is a blend of several single malts from the island. That opened the door to a wide range of possible flavours, and I was keen to see how it all came together.

Nose

The nose opens softly with a light yet distinct peat smoke. It’s not overpowering and leans more toward earthy and marine notes than medicinal. I picked up a gentle puff of bonfire, followed by a briny, salty edge that reminded me of damp sea air. Behind that, there’s a sweet element—maybe vanilla or even a trace of honey—giving it some balance. It smells youthful but not harsh.

Palate

The smoke on the palate is more noticeable than on the nose, though it’s far from overwhelming. It’s that clean, dry smoke typical of some coastal distilleries—lightly ashy but tempered by soft citrus and pear. The body is light to medium with a slight waxy texture. I noticed a wave of salted almonds, some black pepper, and a hint of malted biscuit. It feels quite straightforward but easy to sip, with each element in its place without fighting for attention.

Finish

The finish is medium in length. It trails off with some residual peat smoke, a pinch of white pepper, and a lingering saltiness that sticks around on the lips. There’s a trace of licorice or aniseed right at the tail end, which gives it an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a clean finish—not too aggressive or drying.

Price and Value

For what this bottle costs, I think it holds up well. It's priced in that accessible range where expectations should be reasonable—you're not dealing with old age statements or unique cask finishes here. But what you get is an honest, drinkable whisky that gives you a feel for Islay without demanding too much commitment. I'd say it’s solid value for casual sipping or introducing someone to smoky whiskies.

Background

This whisky comes from Hunter Laing & Co., a family-run independent bottler that’s earned a steady reputation for its blending skills. The whisky itself is a blended malt from various Islay distilleries—though they don’t disclose which ones. Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s non-chill filtered and retains natural colour, which is always appreciated. While it doesn’t carry an age statement, it definitely leans toward a younger profile, both in aroma and on the palate, but doesn’t suffer from immaturity.

Final Notes

Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, especially as a dependable house whisky when I want a straightforward Islay dram. I wouldn't put it against the heavyweights from the south of the island, but for its purpose, it delivers clean flavours and decent structure.

Is this a good whisky for someone new to peated malts? I’d say it’s a gentle way in. The smoke is present but not too intense, and the coastal character adds interest without being too complex.

What kinds of moments suit this dram best? It works well as a casual evening pour or a relaxed outdoor dram—maybe even something to bring along on a beach walk (in a hip flask, of course).

Compared to other Islay malts, how does it hold up? It doesn't reach the sharp medicinal character of Laphroaig or the heavy richness of Lagavulin, but it's intentionally more accessible. Think of it as an introduction to the region rather than a statement piece—and judge it accordingly.