Glen Marnoch Islay Review

Glen Marnoch Islay Review

Both Aldi and Lidl have strong reputations for the budget whiskies, and both provide similar offerings. These come in the shape of an aged blend, an unaged blend, and unaged single malts in HIghland, Speyside and Islay varieties.

As such, Glen Marnoch Islay finds itself in direct competition with Lidl’s Ben Bracken Islay, which we’ve already reviewed with surprising results.

For the uninitiated, Glen Marnoch is not a distillery in its own right. It’s the name that Aldi put to their bottlings of whiskies from mystery distilleries. It’s a Scotch with no age statement, although it’s fair to assume that it’s at the younger end of the spectrum given its price. Of course though, legally it has to be aged for at least 3 years just to be called ‘Scotch whisky’.

How Much is Glen Mardoch Islay Single Malt Whisky?

Glen Mardoch Islay retails at a rock-bottom £16.99. Don’t bother waiting around for a sale, this is already as low as you’ll ever pick a single malt up for.

Given this eye-catching normal price, it’s highly unlikely this will ever be reduced for any reason.

On the Nose

You’ll notice the peat straightaway, but rather than a medicinal blast to the nostrils, it’s a more nuanced and almost fruity peat aroma. When I say fruity, don’t go expecting a delicate bouquet: this is fruity in the same way that manure has an almost sweet element to its whiff.

Don’t let my weird description put you off though (I’ve started drinking from a Glencairn, and I’m trying to up my nosing game). There’s a fair hint of marzipan and creosote too.

Is Glen Marnoch Islay Any Good?

Oh yes. Glen Marnoch Islay is a slightly different beast to the ‘rock ’em, sock ’em’ style of Lidl’s Ben Bracken. It simultaneously feels less aggressive, whilst still providing a big enough peat hit for Islay fans. In comparing the two, the difference is akin to the softening of Laphroaig 10’s edges in their Select expression.

The marzipan and creosote carries through from the nose (thankfully the manure notes don’t), and a herby savouriness offsets the ever so slightly fruity peat smoke. Think a light sage gravy mingling with pork and apple.

If this sounds like a stretch to pull all of this from a £16.99 bottle, well, it probably is. Truth is, that I’ve got through a good few bottles of this since I bought my first bottle, so I’ve had plenty of time to chew it over!

Is Glen Marnoch Islay Suitable for Mixing?

I mean, sure. You’re missing out on its budget charms, but I can see it playing fine in cocktails that don’t mind a bit of peat.

Glen Marnoch Islay Review – Verdict

You’ve probably guessed what I think of Glen Marnoch if you noticed that I mentioned having bought several bottles of it. After originally being bowled over by Lidl’s Ben Bracken and telling all and sundry to give it a try, I’ve finally had my head turned. Glen Marnoch is a must buy.

I still love Ben Bracken Islay, and it’s always on hand for when I want a peaty slap in the face. Glen Marnoch meanwhile, is a much more comfortable dram. There’s perhaps a little more going on in the glass, and it’s a lot subtler than it’s Lidl sister. You’re not going to get Finnegan’s Wake levels of complexity in a £16.99 bottle, but pick up a bottle with an open mind, and it’ll definitely surprise you. Possibly the best budget Islay?

You’ll Probably like Glen Marnoch Islay if You Already Like…

Tallisker 10, Bowmore 12