First Impressions
Black Bottle is one of the more interesting blends on the supermarket shelf — peated, characterful, and unafraid of its Islay leanings.
Distillery & Heritage
Founded by the Graham brothers in Aberdeen in 1879 as a tea merchants' blend, Black Bottle later became famous for containing whisky from all seven then-active Islay distilleries. After moving to Burn Stewart (now Distell), the recipe was reworked around the company's own Bunnahabhain and Tobermory/Ledaig malts.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose is unmistakably coastal — brine, vanilla, soft sherry and a curl of peat smoke. The palate is fuller than its price suggests.
Verdict
A genuine bargain for peat lovers.
