Side by side: A trio from Ian Macleod's

A Christmas present from someone who knows I like whisky but doesn't know anything about whisky themselves - but it's the thought which counts!

Macleod's self titled "The Ultimate Single Malt Scotch Whisky Exploration Set" - let's see what it's like!

Ian Macleod Distillers own Tamdhu, Glengoyne and the soon to be resurrected Rosebank distilleries as well as brands like Smokehead and Sheep Dip, you'd think they'd know a little about whisky.

Unfortunately I think the marketing people have got in here - I can't see how a trio of 40% ABV, coloured, chill filtered drams could be "The Ultimate Single Malt Scotch Whisky Exploration Set" but lets give them a go!

This trio is part of the larger Regional Malts collection from Macleods.

Dram	Speyside	Highland	Islay
Characteristics	40% ABV	40% ABV	40% ABV
Distillery notes	MacLeod's Speyside single malt scotch whisky ranks amongst the finest of all whiskies. It has a recognisable character ; butterscotch & rich oak on the palate it reveals it's true complexity leaving a dry & floral finish.	MacLeod's Highland single malt scotch whisky represents the typical characteristics of the region: elegance & complexity with a subtle & dry smokiness.	MacLeod's Islay single malt scotch whisky is robust, sea-weedy & intensely peaty. The flavour is immense with notes of oak, peat, smoke & sea salt.
My thoughts:
Appearance
	Light gold in the glass, swirls cling as a thin line which slowly beads up and falls as slow thin legs.	Light gold in the glass, swirls cling as a thin line which slowly beads up and falls as slow thin legs.	Light gold in the glass, swirls cling as a thin line which slowly beads up and falls as slow thin legs.
Nose	Oak, orchard fruit: apples, pears; a little honey and some toffee.	Musty oak, dried fruit, a little honey and a hint of smoke.	Medicinal peat smoke, maritime breeze and a little golden syrup.
Palate	It's a little thin as you'd expect for 40% chill filtered but not unpleasant. Honey and dry apricot to start, a little sour citrus and a bite of peppery spice.	Drier than the Speyside, a little smoke, some honey and hints of dried fruit. There's a little bitter oak as the liquid disappears. A little thin.	Smoke and salt to start, a little drying, more so than the Highland. There's some honey, a little tropical fruit and some nuts but again a little thin.
Finish	Lingering dry oak and peppery spice.	Medium length, drying smoke, honey and peppery spice.	Lingering maritime salt, sweet honey and dry smoke.
Overall	To be honest I wasn't expecting much from this set, I can't remember the last time I even tried at 40% dram. The Speyside and Highland were as unexciting as expected but the Islay had a little more promise. Obviously not aimed at a seasoned whisky drinker but I do think they would be a good introduction to whisky for a beginner. I think the pack was on sale for around £10 - a fair price for 3 x 50ml drams.