Source: Alexander Murray & Co, Calabasas, California, USA.
Distillery: Undisclosed (Bruichladdich?)
Region: Islay.
Age: NAS
ABV: 50%
Michigan state minimum: $57
Appearance: Light gold.
Nose: Smoldering peat. Smells like a smoky custard with water.
Palate: Full and silky. Smoke, dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel. Water brings out buttery toffee.
Finish: Cigarette smoke up the nose, ash, peat, lip tingles. Very buttery with water.
Parting words: Alexander Murray & Co is an US based independent bottler that provides store branded spirits for Costco, Trader Joe’s, Total Wine, and other US retailers. I’ve really enjoyed many of their Kirkland Signature (Costco) bottlings, especially the blended Scotch and Irish Whiskey.
The Islay Single Malt is relatively new, at least at my local store. The online scuttlebutt is that it’s from Bruichladdie, but there’s been no confirmation of that. Having tasted this bottle next to a Port Charlotte bottling, there is definitely a family resemblance, but the PC is a little more rounded and sweet.
The biggest difference between Kirkland Signature Islay and whiskies put out under the Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte labels is the price. $57 is a very nice price for a Single Malt of this quality. If you’re looking for a smoky malt to put into your Burns’ Night lineup, this is an excellent choice. Kirkland Signature Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is recommended.
Sipology 