Islay Whisky

This is an effort for me to start a whisk(e)y review site after posting on connosr for a few months. So lets get down to brass tacks, I decided after some contemplation to make my first post about Islay some will ask what is Islay and the easiest answer would be a bonfire in a glass made with dry seaweed, peat, and some sticks. Still a more technical wording would be an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation. One of the most common components is Sphagnum moss, although many other plants can contribute. Soils that contain mostly peat are known as a histosol. Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding obstructs flows of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing rates of decomposition and therefore it is used as fuel as burned creating the smoke flavour you either love or hate in single malt scotch.

A few classic examples of Islay would be
Ardbeg 10- A peat cannonball with some nice citrus tones to it and maritime air, since i own this one it makes it easier to describe.
Lagavulin 16- This is the epitome of Islay, everything Islay should be is found in this bottle now it is 90 dollars in my area but i plan to pick on up in a few weeks.
Laprhoaig- No other word says Islay as well, a hate or love whisky with a lot of smoke and iodine the best example i had a glass and trying a margarita all i tasted was smoked limes.
Bowmore 12- A "budget" Islay and even then it is up there in price, I do not own this bottle sadly but it is supposed to be a more restrained offering from the Islay.


On a medical student's budget I scrounged up my money and went to a local liquor store, called Old Doc's and i asked what Islay they recommended, from there is was either Ardbeg, Bowmore, or Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban ( not an Islay but Glenmorangie is my favorite single malt of all time). I went home with a bottle of Ardbeg and excitement.

Now for my review of Ardbeg:
On the eye: Light gold
Nose: Smoke, seaweed, some citrus, a touch of toffee, maritime air.
Palate: A rush of smoke so much that it overpowers you but tough it out this is a gem, followed up by a hint of chocolate, some seaweed, citrus notes like a slice of orange, toffee, and a touch of maritime air.
Finish: I cannot emphasize smoke enough, with orange, seaweed, maritime air, and a hint of chocolate.

Impression: I find this to be fantastic, a nice change of pace from my Highland's and my few blends that i enjoy. All in all it gets a B+, I am already a fan of this single malt scotch and i plan to get to know it better with a teaspoon of water.