Quandary
Well-Known Member
With the 'festive' season approaching it is appropriate to publish an early interim report on our ongoing research project addressing the rising cost of essential winter sustenance.
This year, Sainsbury's 'Islay single malt' is Bunnahabhain.
Tesco 'Islay malt', if light in colour, is Ardbeg, however the darker peaty looking one they sometimes offer under the same name there is Laphroaig.
Those who shop in the other major supermarkets can assist with this project, it is not difficult, if it is labelled Islay single malt it has to be one of the above or perhaps Lagavulin or Bowmore, I think it is unlikely to be Bruichladdich for cost reasons (too pricey) and I think nearly all Caol Isla goes for blending so it might be difficult to identify. Unfortunately we are inhibited in this project by the reluctance of the other large supermarket chains to come out here, but glad that they are elsewhere. So you can shop economically in the supermarket and then dream of the mooring just off your favourite destination, you will be comforted that you are sustaining the economy of these island coastal villages, many of whom provide free moorings for visitors. Customers of Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose etc. are welcome to join in this vital work, it has to be continuous because they can swap source without warning.
However round here, most people buy their malt whisky in the Co-op, (the distillery shops are tourist prices and Tesco is an hours drive and Sainsbury's nearly two), one of the best offers for those who like a lighter easy drinking west coast malt is Jura currently on offer for £18. (was £16 in the summer when we stocked up for the winter research, we use it as our benchmark).
Of course if you are buying it for the boss or someone else you need to impress you have no option but to pay the extra fiver for the distillery label but the taste will be the same.
This year, Sainsbury's 'Islay single malt' is Bunnahabhain.
Tesco 'Islay malt', if light in colour, is Ardbeg, however the darker peaty looking one they sometimes offer under the same name there is Laphroaig.
Those who shop in the other major supermarkets can assist with this project, it is not difficult, if it is labelled Islay single malt it has to be one of the above or perhaps Lagavulin or Bowmore, I think it is unlikely to be Bruichladdich for cost reasons (too pricey) and I think nearly all Caol Isla goes for blending so it might be difficult to identify. Unfortunately we are inhibited in this project by the reluctance of the other large supermarket chains to come out here, but glad that they are elsewhere. So you can shop economically in the supermarket and then dream of the mooring just off your favourite destination, you will be comforted that you are sustaining the economy of these island coastal villages, many of whom provide free moorings for visitors. Customers of Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose etc. are welcome to join in this vital work, it has to be continuous because they can swap source without warning.
However round here, most people buy their malt whisky in the Co-op, (the distillery shops are tourist prices and Tesco is an hours drive and Sainsbury's nearly two), one of the best offers for those who like a lighter easy drinking west coast malt is Jura currently on offer for £18. (was £16 in the summer when we stocked up for the winter research, we use it as our benchmark).
Of course if you are buying it for the boss or someone else you need to impress you have no option but to pay the extra fiver for the distillery label but the taste will be the same.
