Are you looking for a unique blended Scotch whiskey that hails from the far shores of a Scottish island? How about one that was first created in 1927? We found an award-winning whiskey that you absolutely must try. Have you ever tried the blended Scotch whiskey Islay Mist? If not, we are going to look at five reasons why you should. First, though, let’s look at the blended Scotch whiskey so you know the difference between it and a single malt whiskey.

The Blended Scotch Whiskey

A single malt whiskey is one that is unique to the distiller who created it. On the other hand, a blended Scotch whiskey combines different types of whiskey to produce a Scotch that has a wide range of flavors and people can enjoy in multiple ways.

In addition, for a whiskey to be called “Scotch,” it must mature in Scotland. There are very strict standards for blended Scotch whiskey that set apart all on its own. For most people, the difference and their choice are both very personal.

Now that you know what blended Scotch whiskey is let’s look at one that is not only delicious but also has a little bit of mystique from the beautiful shores of Scotland. Here are five reasons why you should try Islay Mist.

#1: It’s Award Winning

In addition to its rich history, Islay Mist is an award-winning scotch with an expanding collection of gold medals. Their most recent award came at the 2022 London Spirits Competition, where their Islay Mist Original won a gold medal.

Their whiskey was evaluated by leading spirits industry professionals for its quality, its value, and its packaging. They also look at the technical competence, distilling process, overall drinkability, taste, value, and packaging design.

They’ve won many other gold medals, including one at the Scotch Whisky Masters and the 2008 World Whiskies Award.

#2: It Has a Great Story

We reach back in history all the way to 1927 on the Island of Islay in Scotland. Islay Mist came about because of the 21st birthday celebration of John Morrison (later Lord Margadale). Morrison was the son of the Laird of Islay House. The Laird marked the momentous occasion with a party and sent invitations all across the United Kingdom. Worried that the smoky, signature Islay whiskies would be too heavy for the guests, he asked his distillers to prepare several different blends.

The blended malt whiskey from the Laphroaig distillery with several high-quality Highland and Speyside malts. They then balanced it with Lowland grain whiskey. The Laird selected his favorite blend, and he called it the “pure Islay Mist.”

You can count on the same premium blended Scotch whiskey today as Islay Mist is exported to more than 32 countries. What’s more, you still find the Lord of the Isles Seal on the bottle and be instantly connected to nearly 100 years ago to the Lord of the Isles, Lord Margadale.

#3: It’s a Multi-Faceted Mixer

Islay Mist calls their Scotch whiskey the “perfect serve.” They list some very unique recipes on their website, including the following:

• The Islay Mist and Smoky Ginger mixes Islay Mist with ginger ale in a highball glass over cubed ice, garnished with an orange wedge.
• The Islay Mist Old Fashioned combines Islay Mist, sugar syrup, and Angostura bitters mixed and poured over a large ice cube and in an old-fashioned glass, garnished with a grapefruit twist.
• The Islay Mist Penicillin includes Islay Mist, lemon juice, honey, and ginger shaken with ice and double strained into an ice-filled rocks glass, garnished with a lemon twist.

Make these drinks, and you may just feel like you’re on the Island of Islay.

#4: The Island Has a Rich Tradition

The whiskey tradition on the island is quite rich and known for its peaty whiskey. You’ll find Islay in the Inner Hebrides islands on the most southern end. This island is off the western coast of Scotland. Fondly known as the “whiskey coast,” you’ll find nine distilleries as well as ancient and medieval historical sites.

#5: The Islay Family is Captivating

You’ll find several different whiskies in the family when looking to try a world-famous Islay Mist. They include:

• The original and flagship whiskey is The Original Peated Blend, which stays true to the founding recipe. It has smoky tones with layers of mellow, oaky maltiness. Its aroma is subtle and seductive. You’ll also note smoky peat and seaweed with a touch of sea salt. As you finish, you taste toffee and coffee for your bitter-sweet finish.
• There is an 8-year-old whiskey that’s exclusive to Canada, the U.S., and Japan that has subtle, smoky notes with intense citrus fruit, honey, and cinnamon spices. The aroma is enchanting and one of a kind.
• Their 10-year-old whiskey is well-balanced and mature, with tons of character. Note the gentle peat and tobacco notes balanced with dried fruit and nutty undertones with a touch of spice and walnuts.
• The 17-year-old whiskey is a limited release with a premium, high-quality taste. Note sweet vanilla, biscuits, and citrus fruit with a wisp of peat smoke. Freshly baked bread and butterscotch, followed by an oaky spice, set this whiskey apart.
• The Double Peated is twice as smoking as The Original. On your palate, this one has bold tobacco notes followed by sea salt caramel and vanilla. The aroma includes peat smoke with hints of green apples and pear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islay Mist

Let’s look at some of Islay Mist’s unique attributes.

Why is it smoky?

This is because the fuel source used at the Islay distilleries is peat. They harvest it from the land, and it’s a hard-packed vegetation. They burn it like coal, and it dries the wet malt. As the smoke hits the malt, it permeates the grain. That is where you get the smoke you taste and smell in your bottle of Islay Mist.

How do you pronounce Islay?

It’s actually quite different than you’d think! You say eye-la.

What language do they speak in Islay?

Most people speak English as their main language, but you’ll also find a lot of Scots Gaelic speakers as well.

Final Thoughts on Islay Mist

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Scotland, Islay Mist can take you there with just one sip. This is one of the world’s finest blended Scotch whiskies and one you want to stock in your liquor cabinet. Their signature flavor is a blend apart from the rest!

Check out all the fun facts and distinct craft spirit histories at Distillerynearby.com. It’s your ultimate guide for expanding your craft spirit knowledge, along with finding great distillery tours all around the country.