Overview
Scotland has approximately 900 offshore islands, while Scotland itself is the northern third of a much larger island.
As an island dweller, I've felt compelled to instigate a wee showdown between some of those lovely whisky-producing offshore islands.
For an extra bit of fun, I've thrown Tasmania into the mix because they meet the criteria of an offshore island producing excellent single malt, and also because I wanted an excuse to open what I've been told is a particularly mental whisky (Cradle Mountain 23yr from Cadenhead's).
These single malt whiskies aren't necessarily the obvious choices when thinking about these particular islands, but I think they're interesting, exceptionally delicious choices.
This theme could really be called “Island off an Island vs. Island off an Island” or perhaps “Island2 vs. Island2”, but I'm not ready for inception-level / fractal tastings yet.
In keeping with the highlander cliché that "there can be only one", let's find out which island's offering rises above the rest.
The Lineup
This tasting is comprised of 7 drams in 20ml measures.
Laphroaig 20yr 2005 54.4% "Unphorgettable Madeira Release"
Representing the Isle of Islay 🏴
Finished in a Madeira cask
Single cask #3
Distillery exclusive bottling
Released on 15th August, 2025
162 of 247 bottles
Ledaig 13yr 2009 54% "Rum Cask Finish" hand-fill
Representing the Isle of Mull 🏴
Matured in an ex-bourbon cask for 10 years
Finished in a rum cask for 3 years
Distillery exclusive hand-fill
Filled on 15th June, 2022
Probably a small batch rather than a single cask
Cradle Mountain 23yr 1996 53.2% from Cadenhead's
Representing Tasmania 🇦🇺
Fully matured in a Cabernet Sauvignon cask
Single cask
Distilled at the Small Concern Distillery in Tasmania
1 of 7 casks purchased by Cadenhead's from the distillery in 1995
Bottled in May 2019
1 of 198 bottles
Scapa 17yr 2005 56.4% "Connoisseurs Choice" from Gordon & MacPhail
Representing the Orkney Islands 🏴
Single cask #483
1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel
UK exclusive bottling
Bottled on 18th August, 2022
1 of 186 bottles
Jura 21yr 1998 54.2% from Adelphi
Representing the Isle of Jura 🏴
Single cask #2146
Refill sherry (likely oloroso)
UK exclusive bottling
Bottled in 2020
1 of 265 bottles
Talisker 10yr 2009 48.4% "Old Particular" from Douglas Laing
Representing the Isle of Skye 🏴
Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
Single cask DL14410
Distilled in November 2009
Bottled in October 2020
1 of 376 bottles
Arran 15yr 1996 55.4%
Representing the Isle of Arran 🏴
Single cask #1410, ex-bourbon (likely 1st-fill)
Produced during first 12 months of Lochranza Distillery production
Distilled on 30th September, 1996
Bottled on 10th October, 2011
132 of 181 bottles
Ethos
My tastings are geared for whisky enthusiasts, but they're also intended to be fun, unintimidating, and inclusive of a diverse group of nice people. I just want to bring people together and open some silly whiskies that would otherwise be hoarded or flipped for profit.
Event Schedule
The tasting will start at 7pm. I recommend you arrive 15-20 minutes before the scheduled start time so you can grab a pint, have a blether, and make yourself comfortable, etc.
The Venue
The Belfry is near Tollcross and Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. Sister pub to the legendary The Ensign Ewart, The Belfry has quickly become an important space in the local Edinburgh whisky scene, hosting many enthusiast-targeted events and whisky gatherings. The whisky selection is extensive, consisting mostly of indies and fun older bottlings. The rotating beer selection is great, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and there's even a wee beer garden hidden in the back.
