[MM-MALTS-L] Pilgrimage to Islay

[George Smith]

Hello, Malts-L:

After some two decades of drinking single malts and almost that long (mostly) lurking on this list, I am finally making a pilgrimage to Islay, the birthplace of most of my favourites. I will be there, April 20 to 24. I have things fairly well researched but I'm hoping the members of the list can help me with a few suggestions:

1) Are there any "not to be missed" things that may have escaped my notice?

2) Might there be any special "behind the counter" offerings at any of the distilleries that I should ask for?

3) My wife will be joining me on April 23 and I want to take her to the best restaurant on the Isle. My research suggests this is at the Port Charlotte Hotel, where I would have stayed if they had been able to accommodate me for the whole period. Any other suggestions?

4) Based on poking around the net, it appears that Islay is not the best place to buy Islay malts. My "splurge" bottle will probably be an Ardbeg "Lord of the Isles", although I would welcome other suggestions for a good Port Ellen or Ardbeg that could be had for less than £200. Both Milroy's and Vintage in London list "Lord of the Isles" online for £150. (Sadly, the archaic liquor laws in Canada preclude me from buying online.) On Islay, Islaywhiskyshop.com has it for £215 and it is £195 at Ardbeg itself. Is there anything I should buy on Islay, or should I wait until we're in London on the following weekend?

Thanks for any advice on or off list.

Geo
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