“Machrie Moor” is a reference to an area of Arran island strewn with Bronze Age stone circles and standing stones, once used by a giant to tether its favourite dog to (hence the label). This is moderately peated at 20ppm, and started out as a regular ‘limited release’ of around 18,000 bottles but was so popular, the distillery decided to make it a part of the core range.
Tasting note: [Eighth edition] Aromatically, a judicious balance of Arran’s seamless, fruity malt with the peat applied in soft brush strokes. Peat wise, it’s more Highland than Island, the middle stage sweetness followed by a surge of pepper and sooty smoke before turning minty fresh. Spot-on balance, and packs a decent punch at 46% ABV with much more smoke than the nose suggests. A compelling alternative to entry level Islay. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.