Archives for May 2012

The New Look Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky

The Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky range has been given a label makeover by it’s owners: Ian Macleod Distillers.

The new look of the award winning Isle of Skye 8 Years Old and 12 Years Old takes direct inspiration from the majestic scenery and romance of Scotland’s famous ‘Misty Isle’.

The New Look 8YO Isle of Skye

The New Look 12YO Isle of Skye

Evoking the Red and Black Hills of the Cuillin Mountains, the new label design introduces a striking watercolour sunset over the Isle of Skye and is coupled with a newly designed bottle.

Based on a family recipe that blends distinctive peaty Island and mellow Speyside Malts, Isle of Skye was created by the company’s founder Ian Macleod.

While the majority of Blended Scotch Whiskies are un-aged, Isle of Skye is unusual in its guarantee that all the Single Malts used in its blend recipe are matured in oak casks for at least 8 or 12 years.

Jim Murray in the 2012 Whisky Bible, rated Isle of Skye 8 Years Old as a ‘superstar whisky that gives us a reason to live’.

Iain Weir, Director of Marketing for Ian Macleod Distillers said: “Skye has an infinite romantic appeal that we wanted to capture in the Isle of Skye re-packaging. The imagery of the sunset over the Cuillin Mountains suggests a sense of relaxation and contentment. Whether you are toasting your success conquering a Munro or enjoying a reviving dram at the end of a hard day, we want Isle of Skye to be the Blended Scotch synonymous with that sense of achievement, satisfaction and reward.”

You can buy Isle of Skye Whisky from:-

• The Whisky Exchange
• Master of Malt
• Whisky Online

Tasting notes

Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Stunningly evocative. Deep peaty tones waft from the glass, like the reek from a crofter’s lum. But there is a lot more beyond: the grains intermingle deliciously with oaky, vanilla notes and something malty and even slightly honeyed. The stuff of dreams.
Palate:Sweet at first, and remarkably viscous. This seems to be the peat hanging around and there is intense barley sugar and spice. Massively flavoured. This creaminess continues for what seems hours.
Finish:Remains sweet, spicy and chewy and at the end faintly nutty. The oak returns at the end.
Comments: The stuff of dreams.
Jim Murray, Classic Blended Scotch

Isle of Skye 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Nose: Ripe, fruity and well balanced. Sherry, dried fruits and a hint of smoke. Water brings out a butter edge. A lot going on.
Palate: Overall, a little drier than the nose suggests but with excellent, soft, mid-palate weight. Light smoke all the way through.
Finish: Ripe and soft.
Comments:Very well balanced. A lovely blend.
Dave Broom in Whisky Magazine (Issue 22)