Whisky Tasting: Whisky of the Isles

 Back in the peat, skipping over the ocean waves... this time we visit the islands, not just Islay.

One down in our cabal this time, although we felt getting an ankle in plaster was going a bit far to avoid our charming company...

Highland Park Valfather 47%  [Orkney]

• N: salt, watery, citrus, black tea, sherbet
• P: orange, raisins, salty, citrus, not cask strength, 
• F: med-long, sweet, warm

7/10. Good enough whisky, nothing outstanding about it and probably overpriced. 

This came 3rd on the night with 8.29.

Lagavulin 12yo 2017 Cask Strength 56.5% [Islay]

• N: ash, bacon, smoke, sweet,  medicinal, iodine
• P: paint stripper, ash, medicinal, phenol, cask-long, sweet, warm
• F: long, hot

8/10 I liked this, good strong Islay whisky. Not as complex as I might have wanted, and I prefer the 16yo standard Lagavulin. Came last (8th) 6.88

Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength Peated 56.2% 20ppm [Arran]

• N: light, ash, bourbon, apple, pear, coconut, solvent/pva glue
• P: empty, hint of ash 
• F: med, grows on more sipping

6/10 Pretty weak and boring (sadly). Not a favourite of the group either, 7th with 7.23

Lagavulin 12yo 2019 Cask Strength 56.5%  [Islay]

• N: ash, medicinal, oily, iodine, citrus, seaweed
• P: water, ash, peat, medicinal, sweet 
• F: med

7.5/10 Ok, but not hugely complex. Having said that, came 1st with 8.38

Caol Ila 15yo 61.5% unpeated style [Islay]

• N: sweet, sherry?, fresh green apples, citrus hint, pear, soapy
• P: delicate, buttery, citrus
• F: aniseed, hot, peppery, short

8/10 liked this a lot. Came 2nd, 8.31.

Lagavulin 12yo 2020 Cask Strength 56.4% [Islay]

• N: strong, ash, medical, oily, peat, strong
• P: peppery, ash, medicinal, sweet
• F: med-long, salt

7/10 this was the mystery whisky, it had very Islay characteristics. Came 4th, 8.19

Talisker Port Ruighe 45.8% [Skye]

• N: water, light, bourbon
• P: hint of peat
• F: what finish?

5/10 disappointing and dull. Having said that it came 5th with 7.66.

Ledaig G&M Hermitage 12yo Wood Finish 46% [Mull]

• N: interesting, port, ash, 
• P: tasty, interesting, ash, medicinal
• F: med

7.5/10 quite liked this, thinking about grabbing a bottle. Came 6th with 7.57

Interesting tasting, but nothing really stood out. I liked the variety of not just Islay,