Whyte and Mackay Tesco 12 year old islay

Bottled for Tesco in the UK by Whyte and Mackay, this is an excellent value single malt. I've tried several UK supermarket islays and this is my favourite so far. It reminds me first of a cheaper Bowmore but with a drop of water it could easily be a Caol Ila. The colour suggests caramel has been added.

Nose - Light peat smoke with a small medicinal vibe. Sea salt and oak, honey and orange. Some sharp varnish that is tempered with water.

Palate - Salt first then a light peat smoke. Toffee/caramel then arrives before a medium peat/smoke hit powers through. Slightly oily with hints of vanilla and wood varnish. Medicinal vibe has vanished at this stage.

Finish - Medium for an islay. Oak, burnt sugar, smoke and some bitterness. The peat smoke lingers with wood varnish. Very dry, salty finish which lends class but the heat at the end reveals it's weakness.

This is recommended if you like a toffee/smoke filled Islay which lacks the medicinal notes of a Laga/Ardbeg etc. Considering It's £10 less than a Bowmore it'a a bargain for sure.

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