Machrie Moor Peated

Score: 67

Machrie Moor Peated from Arran is one of those whiskies that sounds promising on paper, lightly peated, bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered, and tied to the windswept lore of the Isle of Arran. But in practice, it’s... a bit meh. The peat is more of a polite puff than a proper punch, and while there’s some citrus and orchard fruit trying to peek through, it all feels a little muted. The dram has moments, grilled pineapple, toasted brioche, a touch of seaside freshness, but they never quite come together with conviction. It’s like someone whispered “peated whisky” into a glass of Arran 10 and hoped for the best. For a club tasting, it’s the kind of bottle that gets polite nods rather than passionate debate. There’s nothing offensive about it, but nothing memorable either. It lacks the swagger of a proper Islay and the depth of a well-aged Highland. If you’re chasing peat, there are better options. If you’re chasing character, this one might leave you wanting.