The Ileach Cask Strength

First of all: this is not a complex whisky, and it tastes pretty young. Also, it's definitely not chill-filtered, and it's loaded with e150.

Having said that, it can be a very enjoyable whisky. Although I've found the experience various enormously depending on how much water is added. Straight from the bottle it's pretty harsh (even for 58%), but water it down too much and the harshness gives way to an unpleasant, "artificial tasting" sweetness. Find the sweet spot though and you've got yourself a decent, if uncomplicated, peaty Islay whisky.

Also, it's fantastic value for money.

8th February 2015

After reading reviews here and elsewhere, I was really looking forward to tasting this. I was, however, disappointed. The colour interested me first: either this had been matured in Glendronch-quality Oloroso casks or 'something' had been added to achieve this hue. The nosing and tasting seemed to me to suggest the latter was the case. Now, to be clear, I do enjoy the big Islay malts - Cask Strength 10yo Laproaig is a favourite, and I've enjoyed bottles of cask strength Caol Isla, Bowmore and Ardbeg. So, I was expecting a huge surge of smoke and peat on the nose but what I got, I felt, was rather tame and subdued. Similarly, the taste left me feeling a bit cheated and there was too much of a caramel flavour in the finish. As for price, which others seem to think is very competitive, I can regularly pick up Bowmore for £25 and Laphroaig 10 and Bunnahabhain 12 for £28 and I would rather pay these prices than over £40 (incl postage)for these, to me anyway, more satisfying drams.

12th January 2015

I may be biased as a big peaty fan with Laphroaig being my first ever whisky and until now quarter cask being my favourite. But I cannot lie this is a contender for the top spot. I echo the comments regarding cask strength. I always like to taste every one on their own before adding water to make sure it is required as more often than not I prefer whisky on its own. But this is 58% so water is a must but make sure it's the right amount, not too much or too little just what suits the individuals palate because this truly is a beautiful whisky which for me competes with uigeadail, quarter cask and lagavulin 16 as my favourite.

27th December 2014

Like all really great malts, this one edges towards the indefinable; there's a lot going on once you get past the 58% alcohol. Grab it while it is still cheap because I doubt it will remain so.

6th October 2014

Just had my first dram of this beauty. Now this is what I call value for money. Hugely phenolic, peaty, apricot, plumes, tar and ash. This is fun stuff!

23rd August 2014

Go for this, don't buy the 40%.

7th June 2014

Well, it reminds me of two great whiskies: Corryvreckan and Quarter Cask. Am I right?

13th April 2014

Even better,just had my first dram! Don't buy this as I want it all!!!!!!!

1st January 2014

Often overlooked by the islaphile because it comes from a secret distillery. This is however a mistake, its huge, peaty, medicinal, chalky, salty seaweed, pure elemental. As raw and unforgiving as the north sea wonderful stuff if you're a peat head.

8th September 2013

Don't forget that Cask Strength needs a little more water than normal. Hence the brutal and rough comments

19th December 2012

Having never heard of this before my birthday, the wife turned up this for me from our local deli so my expectation was low. Could not have been more unprepared for what is a head blow of peat of rambo strength. The nose is huge, the colour deep, the mounth a little rough but the reward is word try out. Have it in your collection as one to surprise.

14th June 2012

A very strong and peaty spirit, reminiscent of Lagavullin. The taste and aroma is immense and lingers in the mouth. It is a bit brutal though and not a smooth as some.

9th April 2012

This is one of the most pungent whiskies I have tried! It punches well above its price. Peat levels are massive, way beyond those of even an Uigedail. The drawback with this dram is that it lacks finesse and isn't very refined but it is well worth a try.

14th March 2011