The southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Scottish Isles, the island of Islay (pronounced EYE-lah) is just 240 square miles and home to only 3,457 people. Still, the island is one of just five distilling regions in Scotland whose identity is protected by law. Islay's unique climate and geography impart signature characteristics to Scotch distilled and matured on the island. Despite its small size, the island boasts 130 miles of coastline, and the warm Gulf Stream from the Atlantic Ocean provides for cool winters and mild summers. In addition, the island is largely composed of peat, a phenolic compound that emits smoky aromas when burned. The salty winds and peat bogs of Islay result in Scotch that has a signature salinity and is balanced by a touch of smoke. The Big Smoke Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky was crafted by blending together whiskies from some of the island's most iconic distilleries. As a result, the whisky has an aroma of salted caramel, buttered biscuits and bonfire that gives way to chewy notes of caramel, vanilla, mint, smoke, charcoal, cinnamon buns and honey on the palate. The finish is clean and crisp, with touches of saltines, leather, wood and tobacco. The whisky earned a score of 90-95 points from Wine Enthusiast.