Isle of Skye 21 Year Old Scotch Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

Ian Macleod Distillers is one of those fixtures of the Scotch industry that the average, casual drinker (even Scotch drinker) has never heard of. That is nothing to be ashamed of; I’d put down some money that 9 out of 10 of the folks who know what The Macallan is have never heard of the parent company, Edrington. Founded over 80 years ago and still a family company after all that time, these are the folks who make Smokehead, Sheep Dip and Pig’s Nose, as well as Glengoyne and Tamdhu.

The company is also behind the expansive line of Isle of Skye blended whisky. Although named for the famous Scottish island, the grain and malt whiskies sourced to make it are largely from the mainland, although some malt from Skye is utilized. The 21 year old sits in the middle of this range, separating the truly ultra-aged whiskies farther up the latter from the entry level and middle rungs beneath it. I think that is best reflected in the price point, almost double what the 18 Year Old expression costs.

The Scotch
This coppered dram has a faint scent and requires some deep nosing to develop fully, but one that mirrored some recent hikes when I took it into hand. Coupled to the standards of malted honey and toffee was a collection of elements that reminded me of being on the dried, late summer prairie: wildflowers, dry grass and a hint of exposed earth.

That earthy element turns nutty on the palate. The honey and toffee, the sweet side, becomes a baked peach with treacle and brown sugar dish, and the rest of the field side turns to pepper and a hint of smoke. The finish runs in dry wood and pepper, but this is a light touch.

Overall, this is a supremely smooth, silky sweet and easy drinking pour, and it is a real step up from the unimpressive 18 Year Old. One might expect an older Scotch like this to have a complex character, and Isle of Skye 21 Year Old is not really all that sophisticated, but that makes it an approachable, wonderful sipper.

The Price
The recommended price tag for this bottle is $114.99.