{"title":"The Islands Malt Whisky","description":"\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tobermory on the Isle of Mull Island Malt Whisky\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/Islands_Collection_Banner.jpg?v=1534325145\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Islands - including the distilleries of Arran, Skye, Mull, Jura, and Orkney - form a unique whisky category defined entirely by their isolated, rugged, and windswept locations. These whiskies are complex, intense, and instantly recognisable by their powerful maritime character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you seek a dram that truly reflects the wild weather, salt-laced air, and uncompromising beauty of Scotland’s coastline, the Islands collection is calling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"c1\"\u003eThese Islands (which exclude Islay) are not recognised in the Scotch Whisky Regulations as a distinct whisky producing region, but are often considered to be included as part of the Highland Malt Whisky Region. The island of Islay is itself recognised as a distinct whisky producing region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe style varies widely across the individual islands, ensuring a journey of discovery within the collection:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkye (Talisker)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe most intense: famous for its \"volcanic\" intensity, combining smoke, pepper, and sea salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArran \u0026amp; Mull (Tobermory\/Ledaig)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffer great contrast: Arran is light, fruity, and approachable; Ledaig (Mull) is known for its heavy, oily, peated character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrkney (Highland Park\/Scapa)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA unique balance of heather-honey sweetness with subtle, aromatic, heathery peat smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJura\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOften characterised by a soft, ethereal smokiness and notes of pine and heather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the smooth, citrus complexity of the northern isles to the powerful, peppery warmth of Skye, our Islands collection is your ticket to Scotland’s most remote and flavourful distilleries.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"tobermory-12-year-old-isle-of-mull-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Tobermory 12 Year Old Isle of Mull Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you think all island whiskies have to taste like a bonfire, Tobermory 12 is here to happily prove you wrong. This is the flagship of the Isle of Mull’s only distillery, and it’s a brilliant example of what happens when you let the coastal air and top-quality casks do the talking. Replacing the old 10-year-old, this 12-year-old expression is a massive step up in richness. It’s unpeated, which allows the natural, zesty character of the spirit to shine through. On the first sip, it’s all about bright oranges, fresh pears, and a big dollop of creamy honey. But because the distillery sits right on the water’s edge in that iconic colourful harbour, there’s a lovely, subtle \"brine\" on the finish—a tiny pinch of sea salt that perfectly balances the sweetness. Bottled at a punchy 46.3% and without any added colouring or chill-filtration, this is an honest, full-flavoured whisky. It’s light enough for a summer evening but has enough oily texture and spice to keep you warm in the winter.[#intro]What’s the story in Tobermory? This unpeated malt is bursting with honey, fruit and island sunshine...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tobermory","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39273613492291,"sku":"TOBERMORY12","price":49.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/Tobermory12YO.jpg?v=1615742777"},{"product_id":"rock-island-blended-malt-scotch-whisky-gift-tube","title":"ROCK ISLAND Blended Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp\u003eDouglas Laing's ROCK ISLAND Small Batch Malt Whisky is a marriage of some of Scotland's finest, most maritime and characterful aged single malts, including those distilled on the esteemed islands of Islay, Jura, Aaran and Orkney. Anticipate wave soaked rocks and a salty oceanic freshness on the nose with sweet malt. Its complex palate carries soft ash with peat, a honey sweetness plus crushed sugar, juicy barley and late pepper. All that is neatly replicated on the long, moreish finish. [#intro]ROCK ISLAND is the ultimate distillation of Scotland's Islands - maritime and smoky....[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Douglas Laing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39393384333379,"sku":"NVROCKISLAND","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/RockIsland.jpg?v=1619972686"},{"product_id":"talisker-port-ruighe-single-island-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Talisker Port Ruighe Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIf you’ve ever wondered what happens when a rugged islander goes on holiday to the Douro Valley, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"97\"\u003ePort Ruighe\u003c\/b\u003e is the answer. This expression is a toast to the Scottish traders who braved the high seas to bring Port wine back to the Isle of Skye. By taking the classic, spicy Talisker spirit and double-maturing it in \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"71\"\u003eRuby Port\u003c\/b\u003e pipes, the distillery has created a fascinating tug-of-war between salt and sugar. The initial nose is all about that familiar maritime smoke and wood-fire embers, but it’s quickly rounded off by a lush sweetness—think ripe plums, dark cherries, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it’s a big, oily dram. The signature Talisker \"chilli-catch\" is still very much present, but the pepper is softened by layers of forest fruits and creamy toffee. It finishes with a long, satisfying cocoa-rich dryness and a lingering wisp of smoke. It’s a sophisticated, \"after-dinner\" style of Talisker that manages to be both powerful and surprisingly pretty.[#intro]A rich fusion of Skye sea salt and Portuguese sweetness, finished in ruby port casks...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Talisker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40160961527875,"sku":"TALISKERPORTRUIGHE","price":58.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/products\/TaliskerPortRuighe.jpg?v=1662055410"},{"product_id":"talisker-storm-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIf the standard Talisker 10-year-old is a brisk walk on the beach, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"67\"\u003eTalisker Storm\u003c\/b\u003e is what happens when the clouds roll in and the Atlantic really starts to throw itself at the rocks. Launched in 2013, this expression was designed to take the distillery’s signature \"chilli-catch\" and sea-salt character and turn them up to eleven. By using a mix of rejuvenated and refill American oak casks, the distillery has created a dram that feels more raw and elemental. It’s a \"No Age Statement\" release, but don't let that fool you; the focus here is entirely on the intensity of the spirit. The nose is immediately hit by a powerful, fresh-clean aroma that grows in complexity - think sweet maltiness moving rapidly into woodsmoke, brine, and a sharp explosion of black pepper. On the palate, it’s thick and mouth-coating. It starts with a mellow sweetness that is quickly overtaken by a nutty smokiness and that legendary spicy heat. It finishes dry and lingering, leaving you with the taste of light, peaty embers. It’s a bold, honest whisky that puts you right at the heart of the Hebrides. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA dark, brooding member of the Talisker family, capturing the elemental power of a Skye storm...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Talisker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41538064252995,"sku":"TALISKERSTORM","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TaliskerStormBt.jpg?v=1717927792"},{"product_id":"talisker-the-wild-explorer-cask-strength-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Talisker 'The Wild Explorer' Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eIf you want to see what Talisker looks like with the shackles off, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"67\"\u003eThe Wild Explorador\u003c\/b\u003e is it. This 2023 Special Release is a tribute to the Portuguese caravels that once braved the Atlantic, and it celebrates that connection by finishing the classic Skye spirit in a combination of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"282\"\u003eRuby, White, and Tawny Port\u003c\/b\u003e casks. At a natural cask strength of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003e59.7%\u003c\/b\u003e, this isn't just a whisky; it's an event. The triple-port finish brings an incredible, glowing gold colour and a depth of fruit that you rarely find in the standard range. On the nose, you get the familiar sea-salt spray and sand dunes, but it’s immediately met by sticky malt loaf, dates, and dried sultanas. On the palate, it is creamy and powerful. The legendary Talisker \"chilli-catch\" is there, but it’s transformed into a mouth-cooling Sichuan pepper heat, balanced by waves of dark fruit, white grape, and a hint of gunpowder smoke. It’s a complex, tumultuous dram that proves even a \"Wild Explorer\" can find perfect balance. This is Talisker at its most adventurous and uninhibited. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA surge of sea-salt and smoke, double-matured in a trio of Ruby, White and Tawny Port...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Talisker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41540057694275,"sku":"A23TALISKERSPRCASKSTRENGTH","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/TaliskerWildExplorador2023Bt.jpg?v=1717938115"},{"product_id":"arran-the-bodega-sherry-cask","title":"Arran The Bodega Sherry Cask","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for a \"Sherry Bomb\" that doesn't hold back, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Bodega\u003c\/strong\u003e is Arran’s answer. This is a return to the distillery's roots, harking back to a time when almost all their spirit was matured in the finest casks from Jerez. This isn't a shy whisky. Bottled at a natural \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/hic.wine\/pages\/whisky-knowledge-base#cask-strength\" title=\"Cask Strength Whiskies Explained\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecask strength\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e of 55.8%, it is a concentrated explosion of flavour. By using first-fill Sherry hogsheads, Arran has ensured that the wood does the heavy lifting, infusing the bright, fruity spirit with layers of dark chocolate, crystalised ginger, and rich, syrupy figs. On the palate, it’s thick and mouth-coating. You get the initial warmth of the high ABV, followed quickly by sweet cherries, toasted hazelnuts, and a hint of pink pepper. Because it’s non-chill filtered and carries its natural colour, the texture is oily and luxurious - the kind of dram that demands a drop of water to \"open up\" the hidden notes of roasted pecans and blackcurrant jam. It’s a sophisticated, powerful malt that proves Arran can do \"dark and intense\" just as well as they do \"bright and fruity.\" [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA luxurious, cask-strength sherry bomb, matured in first-fill hogsheads for an intense, fruity explosion...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arran","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58083768435069,"sku":"NVARRANTHEBODEGA","price":66.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/SherryCaskBT.jpg?v=1776977887"},{"product_id":"arran-port-cask-finish-single-malt-scotch-whisky","title":"Arran Port Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Isle of Arran distillery is famous for producing a beautifully clean, unpeated, and naturally fruity spirit. While it is superb on its own, it also provides the perfect canvas for experimenting with different types of oak. For this release, the distillers have taken their classic island malt and given it a luxurious secondary maturation in Portuguese Ruby Port casks. The result is an absolute triumph. The port wood has not only given the whisky a beautiful, deep bronze colour, but it has also completely transformed the flavour profile, adding layers of rich, sweet fruit. Pour a dram, and you are immediately met with warm, inviting aromas of ripe red berries, baked apples, and a gentle touch of vanilla. On the palate, it is incredibly rich and full-bodied. Expect a wave of sweet strawberry jam, dark chocolate, and a wonderfully warming, peppery spice that lingers beautifully on the finish. [#intro]\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA brilliantly rich and fruity island malt bursting with ripe berries, baked apples, and spice...[\/intro]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eBottled at a robust 50% ABV, it carries plenty of character while remaining exceptionally smooth. It is a brilliant, unpeated dram that perfectly bridges the gap between classic Scottish whisky and rich, after-dinner indulgence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arran","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58090530013565,"sku":"NVARRANPEATSMOKE","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/files\/PortCaskBT.jpg?v=1777210316"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0106\/1539\/0266\/collections\/Main_Pic_47c95447-c90b-432e-9b10-d3fbb03e354f.jpg?v=1763544049","url":"https:\/\/hic.wine\/collections\/island-malt-whisky\/the-islands.oembed","provider":"Hic!","version":"1.0","type":"link"}