McClelland's Islay Single Malt

This is a quick, off the cuff review, inspired by my first taste of a McClelland’s product.

It is Dec. 25 in the evening here in Calgary. I am at a party at friends of my in-laws. My impression is they are wealthy (Ms just bought a gymnastics gym). They have met me before and know of my affinity for single malts. When offered a drink it was suggested by the hostess to her husband that I should have a scotch. So he brings out this bottle and asks “is this ok?” Please tell me, what should I say? Well, I answered that I had never tried it. At least it was in a wine glass.

On the nose I get sweet fruit and peat. A touch of apple. On the palate, first sip, I kid you not, it tasted as if an ashtray had old encrusted tobacco ash, was left to soak, and the dilute liquid was poured off into my glass. On further sippage I get alcohol and peat. It is sweet. The finish is peppery and fairly long.

This is not complex. This is no Lambertus.

I accepted this to be polite and also because I had never tasted it and it’s not cool to be a snob anout something you don’t know. Sadly, I now have the answer, 1 pour too late, to the question “would I accept this if offered at a party?”.

Life lesson learned.

Merry Christmas