Cult of Islay is a blended Scotch whisky expression created by Murray McDavid, the renowned independent bottler and blender based in Scotland. Murray McDavid has long been celebrated for its innovative approach to whisky maturation and its dedication to crafting exceptional Scotch whiskies that push the boundaries of traditional production techniques. Cult of Islay stands as a tribute to the legendary island of Islay and its devoted global following of peat-lovers. The Cult of Islay range is built around a marriage of iconic Islay malts, most notably Bowmore, blended to capture the island's unmistakably smoky and messianic character. Expressions in the range are typically aged to impressive maturity — with releases including a 32-year-old and even a 35-year-old bottled in 2025 from a 1989 distillation — and often feature creative cask finishes such as Murça Tawny Port casks and bourbon barrels. Younger batch releases, such as the 9-year-old Batch 3 from a 2012 distillation, demonstrate the range's breadth. Cult of Islay sits within Murray McDavid's premium "Crafted Blend" and "Mission Gold" tiers, reflecting the bottler's commitment to sourcing exceptional casks and releasing whiskies of outstanding quality and character. For admirers of heavily peated Islay whisky, this range represents a compelling homage to one of Scotland's most iconic whisky regions.