McClelland's Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

[Woodsheal]

I have tried their highland and their islay. I was pleasantly surprised by how drinkable they are. Certainly nothing unique or special, but not bad, and if you consider the price, damn good. I have certainly paid more money for whisky that did not taste as good.

Totally agree. For the price quite good stuff, and perfect for the odd evening when you just want a decent dram without putting a dent in your more expensive stock.

[Brock63]

I have a good friend that swears by single malts....for life of me I cant get a taste for it but then maybe I am not getting the right stuff....had some blended scotch and think it is like drinking rubbing alcohol....tried the Chivas single malt...hated it. I tend to like dark beers, dark robust cigars occasionally so always thought I would try one of the dark, earthy, single malts but all the ones I think I might like are big money. One day I will try again but for me now it is Makers Mark or some aged old Crown Royal Cask #16

[flyrod6057]

I have a good friend that swears by single malts....for life of me I cant get a taste for it but then maybe I am not getting the right stuff....had some blended scotch and think it is like drinking rubbing alcohol....tried the Chivas single malt...hated it. I tend to like dark beers, dark robust cigars occasionally so always thought I would try one of the dark, earthy, single malts but all the ones I think I might like are big money. One day I will try again but for me now it is Makers Mark or some aged old Crown Royal Cask #16

Brock,

You sound like you'd appreciate Laphroaigh. It's a single malt Islay with STRONG peat overtones. It goes great with strong, pungent cheese, such as a blue stilton, and pairs quite nicely with a wonderful maduro cigar. The price point is quite reasonable, and it's available everywhere. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

[artificer]

I think that, for the price point, the McClellands is pretty fair, but compared to the rest of the Islay Single Malts, it's pretty poor. I guess that I'd say it beats most blends (which it is comparably priced to), so that's a good thing.

That said, I wouldn't serve it to discerning guests, for me it's more of a "drinkin' Whisky" rather than something to sip, mull-over, and bask in.

ith:

[Dale Seago]

I think that, for the price point, the McClellands is pretty fair, but compared to the rest of the Islay Single Malts, it's pretty poor. I guess that I'd say it beats most blends (which it is comparably priced to), so that's a good thing.

That said, I wouldn't serve it to discerning guests, for me it's more of a "drinkin' Whisky" rather than something to sip, mull-over, and bask in.

ith:

Excellent summation, and having tried the "basic 4" from McClellands I agree.

However, I must put in another plug for their new sherry-finished Highland malt. It really is altogether another animal.

My personal nickname for Laphroaig is "Holy Water".

Bowmore Claret is, however, the very ambrosia of the gods. And, alas, priced accordingly. It's the way whisky was aften made afore The Forty-Five, but not so much since. It used to be popular, after initially aging the whisky in oak casks, to finish them in French Bordeaux wine casks.

In the aftermath, it wasn't so easy to get Bordeaux casks from France, but sherry casks from England were easy to come by.

Bowmore's "Claret" and "Dusk" bottlings are whiskies I'd describe as "If you're not wearing underwear or a kilt liner be prepared to change into another kilt". They're that exciting and satisfying.

[KiltedGunn]

Dale, I have to agree that McClelland's Sherry Cask Highland Malt is definitely the best of the bunch.

I stumbled upon two bottles last Christmas in San Antonio.

Unfortunately, I've since been told that it has been discontinued...and it is not listed on their website.

Kinda like my beloved Dalmore Cigar Malt!!!

[Dale Seago]

Unfortunately, I've since been told that it has been discontinued...and it is not listed on their website.

NOOOOOOO!!!

Kinda like my beloved Dalmore Cigar Malt!!!

That deserves another:

NOOOOOO!!