West Islay 2003 SE

Quentin Rogers

May 27, 2026, 03:56:12

Blimey, this is a proper wildcard dram. The first sip is like standing on a windswept beach - I'm getting salt straight away, a real briny kick. It's smoky, but more like bonfire smoke mixed with sea spray, very Islayness. Then comes this huge, magnificent fresh and young spirit character, almost like a Jamaican rum got shipwrecked with some mezcal. It's totally cross-genre. There's olives and capers in there, a bit like a dirty martini, and something vegetal like wet straw and earth. The texture reminds me of rough wool, and I'm getting these weird but brilliant flashes of kippers and anchovies on the palate. Honestly, it's a bit like a wet dog rolled in beach sand, but in the best possible way. It's got that long finish that just hangs on, smoke and salt all the way. What a ride. The whole kit and caboodle is absolutely and utterly stunning. H.u.r.r.a.y for crazy experiments!

Chris Cook

May 21, 2026, 18:00:57

Lovely cosy dram. Warm honey, soft oak, a wee bit of spice, then a gentle fruity sweetness. Feels smooth and easy after a long day 🥃 Nice little glow on the finish.

Helen Ward

May 19, 2026, 16:30:23

Just nosed this dram & got hit by a proper seaside bonfire, all briney and charred wood, maybe a whiff of old bandages 😂🔥🌊 Sippin’ it, there’s a mad swirl of honey’d pear that crashin’ straight into pepper an’ smoked bacon crisps. Weird but it works, y’know? Finish stiks around with a slow bbq ash an’ a medicinal tang, like you’ve licked a pebbled beach after the tide’s gone out. Leaves you wantin another.

Fiona Moore

May 13, 2026, 11:50:55

Smokey, spicey, and a bit like burnt caramel. Got some vanilla and dark choclate notes too. Warm finish, aye, proper lovely stuff. 🔥🍯 Blimey, that peat hits ya, then it softens into honey and a bit of dried fruit. Really smooth going down.

Grace Clark

May 13, 2026, 04:31:31

Oh, this one's got a lovely warmth to it, with some fruity notes and a gentle smoke. 🥃 Really warms you up on a cold evening. Blimey, the aroma is quite inviting – think dried fruits and a touch of oak. 🍇 On the palate, it's smooth with a hint of vanilla. 😌