Asda Islay Review
It’s taken me awhile to get round to picking up a bottle of Asda’s Islay offering, as to tell the truth, I’d only heard bad things about it. Reviews on whisky forums had been less than flattering, and when a friend of mine picked up a bottle, he couldn’t have been less impressed with it either. This particular friend isn’t a whisky snob of any kind, in fact, he regularly enjoys the same budget bottlings that I do. This means that I was dubious of Asda’s Islay attempt that retails at a higher price than Aldi’s fantastic Glen Marnoch, and Lidl’s brilliant Ben Bracken.
I’d already been stung by Tesco’s lacklustre Glenfairn Islay too, making me think that this would be similarly underwhelming. But, someone’s got to take a dram for the team, so I decided to grab a bottle and tell you all about it.
How Much is Asda Extra Special Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky?
It’s an unwavering £20. Like its budget compatriots elsewhere, you’re highly unlikely to ever see this on offer, as it’s already so cheap. Bear in mind though, that both Lidl and Aldis’ highly recommended Islay Scotches retail for £2.50 less at time of writing.
Which distillery makes Asda Islay?
Lord knows. As with all the other budget Islays however, it’s likely to be one of Caol Ila or Bowmore. Given its slightly punchier feel reminiscent more of Ben Bracken than Glen Marnoch, I’d guess at Caol Ila.
On the Nose
It’s obviously peaty, but beneath that is a strong scent of burnt plastic that I’m not too crazy about. If you can get past that, there’s a more pleasant hint of seaside rock (as in the confectionary rather than something you might skim across the water). It’s a bit of an odd one, with that plasticy-ness being a little off putting.
Is Asda Islay Whisky Any Good?
Actually, it’s alright. I was all set for a massive disappointment, but in truth it’s perfectly sippable. It’s very rough and ready around the edges, leading me to believe that the liquid is as young as it gets, but despite its obvious flaws I kinda dug it.
Even as I was drinking it, I could tell that this is far from a refined whisky, but I just kept on coming back to it. I’m not sure that I’ve ever finished a bottle so fast.
Now that could just mean that I’d had a particularly rough week, but like a scraggy stray mongrel you might pick over an elegantly groomed pedigree dog, it just has something that draws you in.
Taste-wise, I picked up an interesting juxtaposition of caramel and a general creaminess, paired with creosote and a very sharp and angular mouth feel. It’s obviously very young.
Is Asda Extra Special Islay Suitable for Mixing?
If you like a mixer with your Scotch, then you might find that caramel once those rough edges are smoothed out. Would probably make a decent old fashioned.
Asda Islay Review – Verdict
So I quickly sank a bottle and didn’t mind it at all. Would I recommend it to you?
Not really. I also love the angular 90s indie stylings of the band Pavement, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend those to you either. I mean, I liked Asda’s Islay despite its flaws. It’s very sharp and a bit rough, but I’m a sadist who kinda likes my Scotch to slap me about a bit.
Would I buy another bottle? Yeah, if I’m around an Asda at the time. If I’m heading out in the car for a budget Islay fix though, I’m going straight to Aldi or Lidl for one of theirs though, rather than paying a few quid more for an inferior product.
On the whole, it’s alright, just not as good as some other (cheaper) alternatives.
You’ll Probably like Asda Islay Extra Special Scotch if You Already Like…
Ben Bracken
Who the hell’s Ben Bracken anyway? Here’s the review on that.
Maybe you’d prefer his more mild-mannered mate, Glen Marnoch.
I’m not sure if Tesco have stopped stocking their budget Islay, but here’s my Glenfairn review nonetheless.