This iconic limited edition ‘Maiden Voyage’ is a blended malt scotch whisky from Colonsay Beverages from their home at Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay. The flavouring of this whisky takes you on an adventure, similar to the design on the bottle. Whilst you can’t judge a whisky by the bottle design, we’re agreed that at £50 per bottle it is certainly worth a purchase and is an easy introduction to the flavours of island and coastal whisky, particularly if you’re new to peat and worried it might overwhelm your senses.  

This whisky will transport your palate through a sherried and smoky journey, that has been well melded together. It provides a rather pleasant experience in a glass, being well balanced and a fine sweet finish throughout. Whilst there are several different flavours in this bottle, you’ll easily be able to taste the caramel malty goodness. 

Whilst we can’t be 100% sure on which distilleries provided the ten casks this blend is said to be made from, our best guesses are likely to include distilleries from Orkney, Islay, Mull, Ayrshire and possibly Skye. Thinking of which specific distilleries the casks might come from, our guesses would be either Highland Park or Scapa (Orkney), Ailsa Bay (Ayrshire), Tobermory (Mull), Caol Ila (Islay), and possiblyTallisker (Skye). If you have any thoughts, let us know in the comments! We’re certainly struggling to identify them, but that is part of the mystery of this blend, what are its components, what are the islands and coasts you’re visiting on your journey?

Thoughts on the colour, nose, palate and finish 

Colour – Initial thoughts were that this whisky appeared as a sherried red, but upon further reflection could be a dark brown. It feels very autumnal in colour and it clearly comes across as a rich and warming drink. 

Nose – The splendid aromas of rich sherry greets you as you bring this glass to your nose, it is incredibly heavy in our minds, evoking ideas of the journey that this whisky has been on. 

Palate – This is a very warming drink that makes you feel like you’re sitting on a beach with the campfire blazing, whilst watching the sun go down. You can just picture the Island Hopper travelling across the sea in front of you. The smokiness hits you as soon as you take the first sip. Smooth and well balanced, you’ll be ready to take a second sip in no time. 

Finish – To really heighten your taste buds, the ending will remind you of cinnamon sticks, cloves and spices. It’s like eating a fruit cake which has been filled with a sherried spice to delight your tongue. 

Do we recommend it?

This is certainly a drink that many will enjoy, particularly at the £50 price point. Whilst it is described as a peated whisky, it’s not overly strong and is quite smooth. If you have never had a peated whisky before, then The Scalasaig – Island Hopper is a good one to try. It’s not too expensive and it might just encourage you to try another. 

This is a whisky that you can have in your cupboard and bring out on those occasions where you fancy a trip to the beach but are unable to travel. It’s the perfect addition to your collection, and is one that can be enjoyed round a roaring fire or with friends and family, you can’t go wrong with that.