Islay islanders send us their best

The only whisky that contains all seven of Islay's renowned single malts, Black Bottle has a full-bodied, smoky character and remarkable smoothness, according to Brian Glass, South Africa's spokesman for the newly imported brand.

Islay, the famous Hebridean island off the west coast of Scotland, is known as the Queen of the Hebrides for its fertile soil, extensive peat bogs, soft, peaty water and sea breezes that combine to produce malt whiskies which have developed an international cult following.

Black Bottle has twice been named the best standard blended whisky in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, both in 2005 and 2006, and is a winner of numerous awards in international wine and spirit competitions. It was recently judged best in class, earning a silver medal at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition 2007. "A Top Ten brand in the UK and extremely popular throughout Scotland, it is expected to find ready favour with local whisky connoisseurs.

It is expected to retail for around R150 a 750ml bottle.