LCBO - McClelland's Islay Single Malt 10% Off - $40.95

One of my favorite cheap Islay’s. I always make sure I have a bottle of these around with my Lagavulin. It just depends on what the mood is that night. Great deal, I’m definitely going to go grab one

This stuff is good for beer back? Craft of course.

Thanks OP. I think I'll pick one of these up to expand my scotch taste buds. Started taking it on canoe trips this summer because it packs lighter than beer.

That's some fine ruining whiskey there.

The 12 yr old Jura is $12 off right now too $62.95 was $74.95. Not the best single malt but also a good price
https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ ... 9tcPthKiUk

With the possibility of new restrictions on the horizon in the higher populated areas of Ontario, time to stock up again

Just a heads up for anyone thinking of trying this, McClelland's Islay is essentially Bowmore juice that was deemed unacceptable to sell as Bowmore. If you don't like the taste of Bowmore, then you probably won't like this.

If you're looking for something around $40 with a touch of smoke, suggest Te Bheag (pronounced Che Vek). While it is a blend, it has a bit more depth and complexity. I read somewhere that these guys are starting a distillery and are bottling blends while their first barrels age. Anyways, readily available at most LC's and a pretty tasty weekday dram.

I second that. The Te Bheag is great. I do pairing with chocolate and it works well with an Ecuadorian Cocoa (Arriba).

Save yourself $7+ and buy this instead, better and cheaper

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ ... 9vjtWlybqs

I would agree at $40, Te Bheag (mentioned above) is also a better choice

Another good budget option would be

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ ... 9vlumlybqs

Not trying to be a snob, because we all need cheap scotch, but at the LCBO a decent single malt just can't be had around this price point.

The McClelland reviews speak for themselves

6ixRix wrote: ↑Save yourself $7+ and buy this instead, better and cheaper

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ ... 9vjtWlybqs

I would agree at $40, Te Bheag (mentioned above) is also a better choice

I mean it does sound good but it is a blend innit

Pingalino wrote: ↑ I mean it does sound good but it is a blend innit

I edited my post above after your reply, but at $40 you just aren't going to get a single malt worth pouring at the LCBO.

There are better blends (Monkey Shoulder) but are more expensive.

Deanston VO at $50 or goes on $3-$5 off sale from time to time is pretty much the cheapest drinkable bottle...

Life is too short to drink bad whiskey.

To the new Whiskey drinkers, none of the us can tell you what's a bad whiskey. Try everything and like it on taste not reviews or dollars.

Love this one.. one of the first brands I tried getting into Whiskeys.

I'd like to also throw my support in for the Te Bheag. Yes it is a blend, but keep in mind that a well crafted blend can indeed be exceptional, especially from a value standpoint. Keep in mind that traditionally and historically, the vast majority of scotch whisky has been sold as blends, most coming from families that had bases in tea blending. That said, Te Bheag is a quite sought after bottle in the US since it is not sold there. It has a relatively unique flavor profile, regardless of price comparison. Obviously it can't compare to $100 single malts, but I would argue it is better than some $80 examples (friends don't let friends buy Jura). Another advantage imho is that although clearly light and shy, it has the base tastes of some very good single malts and is similar in profile to a Talisker and Highland Park. Very lightly peated with brine and sea salt. I think it's a solid option for the beginner since it helps train the palate to a specific style while also being of such good value as to be considered as a daily dram.

That said, if we're talking single malts, the only similarly priced one I can think of that is of worth is Glen Moray. A solid and consistent dram for a very affordable price. The peated tastes like smoked salmon, the chardonnay cask is a bit sweet, but great for the novice, I have yet to try the port cask and the 12 tastes of green apples. I'll admit that a glass of the peated with a bowl of olives in front of the fire is a favorite Christmas time experience.

Thanks everyone for their input . I'm new to all of this, but I did enough research to grab a lagavulin 16 year for the holidays and I'll compare it to this to see what I see

Chan eil “Te Bheag” teth no beag idir!

Tarro wrote: ↑Chan eil “Te Bheag” teth no beag idir!

Is féidir!

This is my fav cheap whisky. Picked up a bottle already but might get another.

Definately one of the longest bottles for me to finish. Better off with a bottle of Jameson or save your money for something else.

Pingalino wrote: ↑ I mean it does sound good but it is a blend innit

Single Malts unless stated that it's Single Cask or Single Barrel are usually blends. Not different whiskies blended, but different barrels of the same malt/age from a single distillery.

The first time I had the McClelland I thought it was terrible and tasted like gasoline but I actually grew to like, not love it. Much better stuff to be had for sure. I prob would not buy it again but if given as a gift I wouldn't complain.

I was just at the LC at St Clair/Ave Rd and grabbed the Redbreast 12 on sale for $69. Usually $79. I've been on more of a Bourbon (Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey 101) and Irish ( Jameson Black Barrel/Caskmates Stout) kick of late.