Bunnahabhain (boon-a-havn). First step to heaven. The mildest of the Islay options, for those who wish to tread softly into peat and smoke.
Glenmorangie (glen-mor-n-jey). The Lasanta. WOW! My default choice.
Auchentoshan. Rare in many ways. One of the few distilleries operating in Scotland's Lowland region. Triple distilled. Subtle.
The Famous Grouse. A blend, including The Macallan and Highland Park.
Bowmore (boh-mor). Legend. 10 years old. Smokey extravaganza! One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and the oldest Islay single malt. My favorite top-off after whatever whisky I'm drinking on a particular evening.
Aberlour. An ultra-dark speyside, aged 12 years in oak and sherry casks. Ooooh so smooth!
Old Pulteney. 12 years old. Clean and smooth as you would expect from a maritime offering.
Tamdhu. A delicious Speyside offering that tastes a bit like my favorite Glenmorangie The Lasanta. Used extensively in blends, including The Famous Grouse, J&B, and Cutty Sark. Apparently the distillery was shuttered in April 2010. Should I hoard the bottles that are still available in stores?
Laphroaig. The king of smoke. It doesn't get any nastier than this. Pour this Islay dram when you're ready for that knockout punch!
The Speyside. An excellent example of delicious Speyside nectar.
Bruichladdich Rocks. An unpeated Islay. An oxymoron? And how does one order this in a bar -- Rocks on the rocks? ;-)
Ardbeg. Water of Life. Perhaps the smoothest of the Islay offerings. My favorite Islay.
The Macallan. Cask Strength. Only a top notch distillery can make 60% alcohol taste like maple syrup! Do not miss this gem. My favorite single malt.
Cutty Sark. A truly delicious blend. My favorite among the blends. They recently changed the bottle design. So, save the old one, if you have it.
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