Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no case, by our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. Also note that by clicking the purchase link in this review, our site receives a small referral payment that helps support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
In June of this year, Ian Macleod Distillers announced the US launch of its blended Scotch whiskeys aging between 8 and 30 years. This review will focus on the 30 year old Blended Scotch Whiskey from the Isle of Skye.
Ian Macleod Distillers has four generations of whiskey making experience under their belt. Ian Macleod & Company Ltd. was founded in 1933. The family of Leonard Russell Sr., who established their own whiskey brokerage in 1936, acquired Ian Macleod & Co. Ltd in 1963. Russell Sr.’s son, Peter Russell took over the raises. as general manager and was succeeded by his son, also named Leonard. As well as being one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distilleries, Ian Macleod Distillers is also the 10th largest Scotch whiskey company in the world, with spirits sales of over 15 million bottles a year.
Ian Macleod created Isle of Skye Scotch whiskey blended on what is considered the most popular of Scotland’s islands in 1933. Located on the northernmost island of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, Skye is the largest island in the Highlands council area .
Each bottle of Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whiskey displays black “Cuillin Ridge” Hills, the famous mountain range on the Isle of Skye. They are part of the Macleod Estate which partners with other agencies for the conservation of the fragile Cuillin ecosystem, much of which is made up of basalt And Gabbro.
Isle of Skye 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whiskey is a blend of peated island malts that have been paired with Speyside and Highland malts as well as grain whiskies. The brand’s official tasting notes suggest aromas of vanilla, light oak, baked pie, coconut and floral top notes on the nose with sweet buttery pastry, fresh malt, raisins and smoky notes on the palate.
Iain Weir, brand manager for Isle of Skye blended Scotch whisky, said in a Prepared statement“We are delighted to share the updated Isle of Skye range with the United States. The rich, unique flavors of whiskey are a testament to the careful blending and premium malts and grains we use to create it. Our stunning new packaging truly tells the brand’s story and showcases its heritage on the former Isle of Skye.
Isle of Skye 30 Year Old won gold in the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition as well as the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The full range of Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whiskey is now available to the US market nationwide at select retailers in 700ml bottles.
We review Isle of Skye 30 years, a blend of peated island malts paired with Speyside and Highland malts as well as grain whiskies. (image via Ian Macleod Distillers)
Tasting Notes: Isle of Skye 30 years
Vital Stats: Blended Scotch, 700ml bottle SRP $321.99.
Appearance: Wildcat.
Nose: The nose exhibits lush, earthy notes like the forest floor after rain, along with rich aromas of fragrant red berries, cinnamon, citrus, butterscotch and salted pretzels.
Palace: The palate is just as complex as the nose with additional notes of warm spice, black tea, lemony citrus, vanilla, orchard fruit and brown sugar, with hints of supple leather and malty chocolate balls .
