To prove that I do not only drink expensive Single Malt whisky, you should know that brands like McClelland’s and others really can help me keep my spending down. McClelland’s Islay whisky is a single malt, and is a close relative to the prestigious Bowmore Single Malt whisky’s from Islay. How close? Well, you might say they share the same owner! Morrison Bowmore Distillers of Glasgow, Scotland. So you can be assured you are not purchasing some product that is not given someone’s full attention.
I’ve enjoyed this McClelland’s back to back with the Bowmore 12 and it is obvious they are related, though the Bowmore is clearly superior. With that said, the McClelland’s is fully representative of an Islay “peated” scotch. At half the cost of Bowmore 12-year-old it is worth trying. If you are into mixing scotch (with other inferior liquids) you would be well off working with this one.
While I do not get the same enjoyment out of this dram as I would a Bowmore 12 year (or lesser aged ones) I do enjoy saving a little money and its hard to appreciate different Islay offerings if you do not have something to compare them to. This would make a great addition to a bar for when you have that scotch lover show up, he/she will definitely be surprised!
Though the ABV% is 40, the Phenols are kickin! There is a wonderful oiliness on the palate also. This is a full mouth of Islay.
The Distiller’s tasting notes are as follows:
| Colour: Warm honey. |
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Body: Full bodied and robust. |
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Nose: Lingering wood cinders of tar and smoke, with just a trace of vanilla and a subtle citrus note. |
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Palate: A strong Islay character with traces of sea salt and burnt oak chips. The smokey nature is apparent throughout; a malty vanilla flavour bringing balance to the overall taste. |
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Finish: A powerful Islay aftertaste of sweet smoke with a hint of iodine. |
Cheers!
theScotchlife 
November 21, 2013 at 6:07 pm
Well, here in the Barbarian U.S. It’s a great entry level SMS. It is so superior to blended Scotch (the staple) that I can’t even begin to allocute the difference. Our cost is roughly £18 for 750ml. “Nay baad, Mate!” As we used to say in Edzell (when you prized the NSA for holding back the “Fookin’ Ruskies”)
October 1, 2017 at 8:02 pm
I think that most of the reviewers who have snidely denigrated McCleelands Islay scotch do not really know scotch.They think that it cannot be any good because it is so inexpensive.I am sick and tired of so called authorities who compare scotch to various fruits and berries. Horseshit! Scotch is scotch.
Back to McCleelands Islay. It is a very fine drink and I compare it to one of my all time Islay’s Coal Isla which is hard to find in the US and quite expensive.McClellands has the smoke and it has the delectable smooth ness as it goes down. it is obviously a bargain but that does not bother me at all.Wake up and realize a good thing when you taste it. Dr,. John l.Krause
October 24, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Agree, if you like scotch whisky, McClellands is a fine dram! And is indeed just a young Bowmore!