> This malt, bottled by an independent which identifies is as "South
> Islay," has just landed in Vancouver. From googling, I gather it has
> been around elsewhere for about a year.
>
> I see there's a great deal of discussion out there about which
> distillery it's from. I've seen suggestions it's a young Lagavulin, Caol
> Ila, Ardbeg or Laphroaig.
>
> My money's on Lagavulin. Smokehead is very similar to what I recall of a
> couple of earlier anonymous young Islays, The Ileach and the Dun
> Bheagan; the consensus in this group a number of years ago was that they
> were young -- maybe six to eight years old -- Lagavulins. Going by notes
> only since I haven't tasted it, the Finlaggan fits the same profile. A
> distant second place, Caol Ila. I discount the Ardbeg because the taste
> profile is not right, and in any case they're selling their young malts
> with their own label for twice the price of the Smokehead. Why would
> they sell it cheaper to an independent? It's a bit reminiscent of the
> Laphraoig 10, but my palate says that's not quite it. ...

> On 2008-01-17, Paul Arthur yahoo.com> wrote:

>>>

>>>> If anyone else has tasted it, I'd be interest in your impressions. If
>>>> you haven't and you like the South Islay style, I highly recommend it.

>>>
>>> I've bought a bottle or two in the past. Generally I liked it. I'd agree
>>> that Lagavulin plays a part in it, but I suspect it's a vatting of that and
>>> something else - possibly Caol Ila. Leaves a slightly sweet aftertaste.

>>
>> It's a single malt, so all of it is from a single distillery.

>
> Ah, right. Lagavulin then. Definitely. Unless it isn't.

> On Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:39:32 -0800, "Lew"
> Invalidmail.com> wrote:
>

>>Yeah! I've had none of these before.
>>
>>Laphroaig 12 Oloroso Sherry cask
>>Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured 1991

>
> Hope you enjoy those. Personally, I don't care for a sherry finish on
> the island
> whiskies.
>

>>Bowmore 25

>
> But that one would be a keeper. 8;)
>
> -- Larry