Mac-Talla

Mac-Talla is an independent bottling brand dedicated to the bold and evocative flavours of Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Created by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, a family-owned company with whisky heritage dating back to 1935, Mac-Talla (meaning echo in Scottish Gaelic) celebrates both the island’s rugged beauty and its world-famous peated spirit.

The Morrison family, formerly owners of Bowmore Distillery, have deep ties to Islay and a long history of sourcing exceptional casks from the island’s distilleries. With Mac-Talla, their goal is to showcase the diversity of Islay whisky styles, from soft and coastal to intense and smoky, without being tied to a single distillery’s output. This flexibility allows them to bottle whiskies that capture different aspects of the island’s terroir and distilling traditions.

Mac-Talla expressions are sourced from some of Islay’s most respected distilleries — though the exact names are rarely disclosed, and matured in casks carefully selected for their ability to enhance the peat character while preserving the spirit’s complexity. The range is built on three core bottlings, each highlighting a distinct style:

One of the defining features of Mac-Talla is its focus on terroir and provenance. The Morrison family emphasises that Islay’s environment — with its salty sea air, peat-rich soils, and Atlantic storms — shapes the spirit as much as distillation and cask choice. By offering whiskies from different parts of the island, Mac-Talla gives drinkers a broader picture of Islay’s flavour spectrum.

All Mac-Talla whiskies are bottled non-chill filtered and with natural colour, ensuring that the texture, flavour, and hue come solely from the spirit and its time in cask. This approach appeals to purists who value authenticity and integrity in their whisky.

In terms of flavour, Mac-Talla whiskies range from the citrus-bright, clean smoke of Terra, to the raw maritime power of Mara, to the rich, sherried elegance of Strata. This breadth makes the range equally attractive to seasoned peat lovers and those just beginning to explore Islay malts.

Our Mac-Talla selection offers a chance to experience Islay through the lens of an experienced independent bottler with a deep connection to the island’s history. Whether you prefer your peat fresh and briny, mature and complex, or full-throttle and cask-strength, Mac-Talla captures the essence of Islay in every pour — a true echo of the island’s legendary spirit.