I just grabbed a bottle of this last night; it was rainy and cold, about as cold as it's been so far this fall, and I was just in the mood for a smoky, peaty Islay whisky. Unfortunately, my couple bottles of Islay were packed away in my new home, which I have not finished moving into yet. Rather than trip over there to dig them out of the basement, and seeing as I had to drive right past the supermarket on the way home from the restaurant anyway, I stopped in the liquor department. Because the selection at the store is relatively poor, my only peaty, smoky choices were McClelland's Islay or Talisker (which I like, but not for $65.00). Remembering that McClelland's was really 5 y.o. Bowmore, I decided to give it a shot.
The result: not too bad! Very light, but considering it's age and proof (80; 86 is better, 92 is much better, C/S is best
) it was pretty good. It had appropriate Islay smoke and peat, as well as the typical Bowmore floweriness and a nice malty sweetness. Based on the age, I expected a fairly strong spirity aroma and was surprised there was not one; I suspect the lower than usual proof helped out there.
All in all, this was a good way to get myself a little fix of peat for not too much coin. I do not, however, recommend it unless you can buy it dirt cheap. I paid about $26.00 after tax, which I feel is too high considering one can buy Laphroaig 10 y.o. online for $30.00 plus shipping. But, if you're in a situation like I was last night, where you just want some Islay whisky right now and don't have any other options, you don't have to be afraid of McClelland's Islay.