Fav Islay Cheapie

[bjorn]

I know some of you (Nick, I'm especially looking in your direction ) might not think much of these, but what is your favorite of the bargain (read: under $30 US) Islay whiskies?

Bjorn

(I realize that there might be lots of other IBs but those are the only choices available in my local Liqour stores)

[bamber]

I've only had the Legend. I like it. Not too demanding but I've had a couple of full bottles.

[Paul A Jellis]

I'll vote for Signatory even though I've never had that one, but I know I don't like the other two.

Cheers

Paul

[Frodo]

I'm waiting for Lord P. to chime in here...

[Scotty Mc]

Bowmore Legend hands-down everytime. I prefer it over most Bowmore's as with it being relatively young, the peat is at it's most prominent

[Ize]

My favourite Islay "cheapie" is Laphroaig 10yo. It's under 25€ which is less than 30USD, right?

[Lord_Pfaffin]

I'm waiting for Lord P. to chime in here...

Thanks again for scooping up the Signatory Islay. This is a gentle wack of smoke and peat, delicate yet forceful, not yet deeply influenced by the wood (5yo). This is an outstanding whisky it would be a breath-taking beauty if it were served-up at cask strength, yet even at 40%abv still much nicer than the others.

[Les Paul]

I also definitely agree with the recommendation for Bowmore Legend. I'll probably have a dram of it tonight.

[Deactivated Member]

Thanks again for scooping up the Signatory Islay. This is a gentle wack of smoke and peat, delicate yet forceful, not yet deeply influenced by the wood (5yo). This is an outstanding whisky it would be a breath-taking beauty if it were served-up at cask strength, yet even at 40%abv still much nicer than the others.

Perhaps you are having a subliminal memory of my description of the cask strength version as breathtaking indeed, it having left me literally speechless on the occasion I tried it. I have a bottle in waiting, but I think it will have to wait a while more yet.

My inclination is to say yuck to all three of these, but I haven't had any McClellands in a long time (the one bottle I had was a real chore and put me off the brand), and I haven't had the 40% Sig. So I will only say that it doesn't matter how cheap the stuff is; if you don't like it, it's no bargain.

[Scotchio]

Tanners Peaty Creag 8 yr old. Fantastic !

[Lord_Pfaffin]

Perhaps you are having a subliminal memory of my description of the cask strength version as breathtaking indeed, it having left me literally speechless on the occasion I tried it. I have a bottle in waiting, but I think it will have to wait a while more yet.

My inclination is to say yuck to all three of these, but I haven't had any McClellands in a long time (the one bottle I had was a real chore and put me off the brand), and I haven't had the 40% Sig. So I will only say that it doesn't matter how cheap the stuff is; if you don't like it, it's no bargain.

Of course we both know that you said that so that it might appear that if we agree it'd look like it were your idea.
I really like the Dun Bheagan 8yo Islay (Lagavulin) and have drank gallons of it, enjoyed every drop and never tasted any sulphery notes as you suggested Mr. TH.
We must remember that sometimes good things come in small packages and sometimes good things have small price tags. You'd be more likely to believe that a $100/bottle whisky could taste as good or better than a $300/bottle whisky. Stands to reason that there just might be a $45/bottle whisky that could standup to a $100/bottle whisky, so don't be so quick to turn your nose up, you just might miss out on something good.
But then: One man's garbage is another man's gold.

[Deactivated Member]

I really like the Dun Bheagan 8yo Islay (Lagavulin) and have drank gallons of it, enjoyed every drop and never tasted any sulphery notes as you suggested Mr. TH.

That were not I--never had the DB.

I have no argument about your point on price v quality, either, but will say that there is often a reason some of these bargain brands are bargain brands.

[bjorn]

I have no argument about your point on price v quality, either, but will say that there is often a reason some of these bargain brands are bargain brands.

That said, there are many wonderful bourbons and Irish whiskies available for 20ish or less and Glen Garioch 10yr is very nice and reasonable. It stands to reason that one of these might be pretty good. At the same time, you're right, the bottle of Tomatin that I recently finished was kind of awful and I could have put that $20 to better use

bjorn

[Frodo]

I've never had any of the three in this poll, but in the spirit of the poll I'll mention what I like at the LCBO. After all, I do like a hit of peat sometimes, and my pocket book can pinch me on occasion...

The three that occur to me are 10yr Laphroaig @$50, DTC regional Islay @$52, and Dun Bheagan 8yr Islay @$43. Given my choice, I'd take the DTC by a whisper, but the savings from the Dun Bheagan also are tempting. Lowest price point for a peaty one from the DB, and very drinkable too (from where I sit).

Still wish we could get Black Bottle 10yr...

[Frodo]

I really like the Dun Bheagan 8yo Islay (Lagavulin) and have drank gallons of it, enjoyed every drop and never tasted any sulphery notes as you suggested Mr. TH.

That were not I--never had the DB.

I have no argument about your point on price v quality, either, but will say that there is often a reason some of these bargain brands are bargain brands.

Actually, I remember you saying this in person when you tried it at the Summerhill tasting tower. Sulphered you said - and not really motivated to finish the dram. You did though - good for you!

[Badmonkey]

A 200 ml bottle of Bruichladdich would do it for me. I'd rather pay for less and enjoy it more than suffer through a regular bottle of something that didn't excite me.

[Deactivated Member]

I really like the Dun Bheagan 8yo Islay (Lagavulin) and have drank gallons of it, enjoyed every drop and never tasted any sulphery notes as you suggested Mr. TH.

That were not I--never had the DB.

I have no argument about your point on price v quality, either, but will say that there is often a reason some of these bargain brands are bargain brands.

Actually, I remember you saying this in person when you tried it at the Summerhill tasting tower. Sulphered you said - and not really motivated to finish the dram. You did though - good for you!

Well I'll be. I'm glad somebody's keeping track of what I say. I'd quite forgotten that! Apologies, LP. Anyone who blabs as much as I do is bound to contradict himself sooner rather than later. No, he isn't.

[Frodo]

[The Dazzler]

Will not vote here, quite liked the McLellands islay and the Bowmore legend but they are both Bowmore and both are what the title of the thread states cheapie islay malts. legend might just edge it for me but have not tried the Signatory one as yet.

Slainte

[PuckJunkie]

...Anyone who blabs as much as I do is bound to contradict himself sooner rather than later. No, he isn't.

In times like this, I like to remember the wise words of Walt Whitman:

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then, I contradict myself.
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

Puck

[papadon]

Hello whisky lovers. I'm new to the site, but not to single malts, and I had my first drink of whisky a good 30+ years ago.

Tthis thread seems as good a place to jump in as any. I've tried all three of the Islay cheapies, and would rank them so:
Signatory
Bowmore Legend
McClelland's

Interesting that while the last two both come from Bowmore, the Legend is more expensive some places, but less expensive than the McClelland's other places. Can't really use price as a guide, can you...

Laphroaig 10 would easily beat all three, but it cost about $50 US here in Seattle, so it wouldn't qualify.

Papadon

[Deactivated Member]

...Anyone who blabs as much as I do is bound to contradict himself sooner rather than later. No, he isn't.

In times like this, I like to remember the wise words of Walt Whitman:

Do I contradict myself?
Very well then, I contradict myself.
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

Puck

Love it, PJ! "I am large, I contain multitudes." I'll certainly use that. Might even go find Whitman and read it!

[Green Manelishi]

McClelland's is a (young) Bowmore.


At a nearby state liquor store I can buy a cheapy for well under 30 or I can spend a few more than 30 and get myself an Ardbeg. I'd go for the Ardbeg.

[bamyili]

I've tried all three of the Islay cheapies, and would rank them so:
Signatory
Bowmore Legend
McClelland's

Is Signatory available in Washington State? I don't recall seeing it on the shelves down here in S. Puget Sound.

[Deactivated Member]

What about that new "Smokehead"?

It must be a contender too?

[rthomson]

I've tried all three of the Islay cheapies, and would rank them so:
Signatory
Bowmore Legend
McClelland's

Is Signatory available in Washington State? I don't recall seeing it on the shelves down here in S. Puget Sound.

I haven't seen any Signatory bottlings but I haven't been checking on a regular basis. In general, the state tends to stick with OB's. Here's a link that'll let you search the state's inventory:http://www.liq.wa.gov/PriceBook/PriceBookMenu1.asp

Look under "Product Availability" They do a fairly good job of keeping it up to date.

Cheers,
Ron

[papadon]

No, you can't get it here. I think I ordered it from SF via DandM.com. The price is very reasonable. If not via mail from D&M, I got it sent from Applejack.com in Colorado. Feel free to send me a private message.

Papadon