And maybe a few bonuses we couldn’t leave off! (For example, Laphroaig flavors their barley with smoking peat for 17 hours, then uses hot air for another 19 hours to fully dry it.). Take a chance and try an Islay once in your life. One of the distilleries in the north. Recently was bought by Remy Cointreau and they unveiled plans to rebuild the Port Charlotte distillery under the Bruichladdich leadership. Best Islay B&Bs on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 60 bed and breakfasts in Islay, Scotland. The distillery itself is closed, although plans to reopen it were revealed in 2017. The Port Charlotte malts were for a time produced at Bruichladdich. Each distillery has unique elements they add or specific processes they follow in each of these steps that distinguish their final product from anyone else’s! Run entirely without computers, this distillery is a testament to how scotch used to be made! If you meet those requirements you’ve got scotch. Gold Medal - San Francisco Spirits Competition. Islays have a strong smokey flavor, so you’re more likely to enjoy them with fatty meats like bacon, brisket, lamb, or ribs. After drying the malt is combined with water and this mash is fermented. The water that supplies Bunnahabhain flows through limestone to avoid picking up peat. (The first scotch I ever tasted was a peated Lagavulin and I fell instantly in love.) Simply put, an Islay Scotch is a single malt scotch or blended malt scotch that originates from the island of Islay. There is ample evidence of the prehistoric settlement of Islay … Palate water: Strong evergreen, pine, coniferous forests, a mid-winter vacation-vibe. Whisky is one of the few alcohols where the price actually does indicate quality. This is a blend of whiskies from all over, focuses on the peat and smokey flavors they bring to a mix. The beautiful and has risen to iconic status in the world of whisky. Noted for strong peat and very strong iodine. But Laphroaig 10 is a good place to start as well! Officially the newest distillery on Islay. Scotland, Islay & Islands. Southern distilleries tend to be very heavy on peat. Wonderful to the core. These malts were heavily peated, typically to between 40 ppm and 44 ppm phenol, in the classic Islay style. The distilled liquors are then blended and place in barrels to age. You can find her perfecting a roast chicken recipe, hunting down a new bottle of scotch, or hosting a wine and cheese soirée somewhere in New York. It is definitely a new take on the classic! It would have distilleries, maltings, warehouses, restaurant, and gift shop. Scotland. Scotland. Islay Distilleries There are currently nine working distilleries on Islay, with two more planned to open in the next couple of years. Silver - SF Spirits Competition. Lorcan Scotch Single Malt by Islay Gold | 750ml | Scotland | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Islay, Scotland- Specially chosen to highlight this area’s unique flavors in scotch making. Glenlivet 12 vs Glenmorangie 10: Which Will You Love More? The combination of salt, seaweed, water, and a mild climate creates a sort of bog. Islay, Scotland - A peaty, smoky scotch whisky produced on the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. The initial taste is slightly dry then builds in sweetness as layers of light fruit, delicate blossom and sweet smoke unfold. Islay is usually associated with peaty single malt whiskies, and it is unsurprising for the three powerhouse distilleries on its south coast, that have become world famous, produce some exceptional peaty single … Caol Ila also uses their whisky in a number of blended whiskies (different from blended malt whiskies) that are sold around the world. Islay Scotch Single Malt by Creag Isle | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Islay, Scotland - The nose opens with citrus fruit and light smoke and is followed by coastal smoke and creamy oak on the palate. Peat: Perfectly blended, present but not overwhelming, like being within the perfect distance of a campfire. Laphroaig Quarter Cask. A gorgeous setting with pristine beaches, … Scotland. Scotland, Islay & Islands. Happy sipping! The Isle of Islay Situated off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Islay is known as “The Queen of the Hebrides” and is of course strongly associated with Malt Whisky production. Peat levels in scotch are measured by parts per million (ppm) with some of the most peated containing up to 54 ppm! The first written references come from St. Columba who set foot on … Needless to say, the stuff my friends had at school didn't compare. Nose: Medicinal, sea salt spray, seaweed, honey cream, bread, Palate no water: Sweet honey cream, sea salt sprinkles, sea breeze, Nose water: Apples, honey, orchard fruit, the tiniest hint of salt, Palate water: Light and airy, honey, apple, raisins, salt, the medicinal finish lasts long on the tongue, Peat: Present, but not overwhelming, a hint of smoke in the back, like walking in an orchard. If you are interested in trying a blended Islay, below are a few options! Layer after layer of moss and vegetation decay without oxygen and create a black compound. Scotland, Islay & Islands. My passion for Scotch started in college when my conniving parents gave me their best whisky for my "first taste." If you have had enough scotch before-hand, you’ll hardly even notice the peat. Bad news, here, friends. A sea spray cut with nut toffee and honeyed, smoky malt. The smell of peaty smoke being discharged from an Islay distillery is so unique that one’s entire perspective on Scotch … All coming together to form a balanced spirit for your pleasure. Peat was first used as fuel for fires and heating. The isle of Islay is covered in peat, which is regularly exposed to rain and sea spray. The peat and wood notes are immediate as soon as you open the bottle but there are a delicious caramel and toast note that deeps and enriches the whole bottle. Produces several unpeated varieties as well. A perfect combination that you are sure to enjoy. Delays in planning have held up this opening. This is true to some extent. Slightly south of the other islands, the temperatures do not reach freezing and are milder than say, the Highlands.It is a tiny island with a population of less than 5,000. Regarded by many as 'whisky island', Islay (pronounced eye-luh) lies in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. On the palate, floral jasmine swirls with a melange of pears, oak and marine tones which give way to a spicy finale. If you’re looking for a natural whisky from Bunnahabhain, this is the way to go! The sherried notes add just enough spice to make it complex. While many distillers on Islay credit the unique water flavors of the island (salty, full of sea minerals, and often brown) as key factors in adding flavor, the real difference lies in the drying process. But with a resurgence in popularity, Islay is opening around 5 more over the next few years! A very well rounded and refined Islay Scotch from the Caol Ila distillery that balances a little peak smoke with a subtle sweetness and fruitiness. They had a joke "If Kathryn comes to a party, you need a whiskey that's over $40." It’s worth it. These have strong alcohol content but are a bit creamier in texture. These experiences are best for tours in Islay: 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Glasgow; 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh; The Private Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Flexible pickups - Scotland Rich smoky malt, peat and sherry fruit character deliver a satisfyingly complex flavor on the long, lingering finish. The distilleries involved are a secret, but we do know that at least two of them are from Islay! They include peat from the southern distilleries, but additions of northern distilleries mellow the sharper notes to create a very smooth blend. Islay Scotch Whisky Pronounced eye-luh, this island has become synonymous with heavily peated and maritime styles of whisky. It is still a strong dram, so don’t expect something very light and airy. Islay 14Yr Scotch Single Malt by Shieldaig | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Scotland- Islay Gold 10 Year is an intense and complex single malt scotch with the taste of smoke, mineral, and spices. If you love the smoke-forward campfire flavor, you’ll like peated scotch. Nose water: The peat and smoke mellow out to a stronger fruit, sweet caramel note with a tinge of burnt marshmallow. Islay Scotches are typically described as “smokey and medicinal, with notes of sea salt and sea minerals.” At least, that’s how I describe it! Add some water or ice to smooth it out! The issue isn’t beginner vs. expert, it’s more about flavor profiles. Much is Islay’s scotch is peated, meaning the malted barley is dried over burning peat rather than burning wood. Wild Turkey Decades Review – Is This The Bourbon You’re Looking For? The distillery is producing and had its opening ceremony on April 12th. Move on to something else you like more (a Speyside might be a nice choice).As you build up an appreciation for scotches, you might find you enjoy a peated whiskey the second time around. With the exception of “Octomore” bottles, all of Bruichladdich’s heavily peated options fall under the “Port Charlotte” brand. 3200 people. Silver - SF Spirits Competition. Nose: very medicinal, strong seaweeds, strong alcohol, notes of almond or walnut, tiny hint of apple? Islay once had about 23 distilleries operating on its coast. Enjoy neat or with a drop of water. The Isle of Islay in Scotland is recognized for its unique Islay Scotch whisky. Lagavulin 16 Year Old. Scotland, Islay & Islands. Year Founded: 1830 Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye Things to Note: The … Blended scotches are mixtures of scotches from many different distilleries. Islay is always wet, drenched by rain and swept by sea breezes. However, the maritime brine and peat subtly added via their water process in have made it famous all over the world! Palate no water: Espresso rubbed steak is my first thought, followed by pine needles, wet earth, and smoke. There is nowhere quite like Islay in the world. Ex-bourbon and sherry barrels. All of these ingredients are found on … There are currently around 9 functioning distilleries open today. Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace [2021]: Which Is Better? Thus, the beautiful fragrant peated Islay single malts were born. 25 YR Scotch Single Malt by Islay Gold | 750ml | Scotland | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Scotland- The original Walker family blend, handcrafted from as many as 40 of the finest Scotch whiskies aged a minimum of 12 years, for a smooth and robust blend. Over time the strong peat character gives way to a more subtle oak derived sweetness. Nose water: Stronger mint and evergreen notes, wet earth and moss, licorice and tobacco are much more evident. Firm and Robust. The peat, Islay’s form of coal, has a very specific and unique flavor and imparts heavy smoke, moss, and salt to the barley flavors. The alcohol here is strong but palatable and warming. Enjoy neat. Definitely one of the top beginner peats on the market. Scotland, Islay & Islands. They are the largest producer of whisky on the island, though most of it is in blended forms. We use coal, Islay uses peat. But they do pair well with very dark chocolate if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth! These are a combination of different malts from different distilleries. Peat adds smoke flavor to scotch. Simply put, an Islay Scotch is a single malt scotch or blended malt scotch that originates from the island of Islay. Largely fruity with pears and melons and some green notes. This Blended Malt has all the characteristics that are synonymous to Islay Malts … Just to the northeast of Islay lies the Island of Jura. There is a belief among the whisky community that beginners shouldn’t start with a peated Islay. When peat is dug up, cut into blocks, and dried, it can burn to produce a delicious pungent odor. Isle of Skye Talisker Distillery. Perfect for the “peat head” looking for the next “peat monster.” Laphroaig distillery is an iconic Islay single malt Scotch … While I normally select the 25 years, since this list is for beginners and experts alike, I’d say try the 12. It can be rather hard to find in the US. There are several fruity varieties like Caol Ila 15 year that is on the lighter side but still contain key Islay flavor notes. Less medicinal quality with more moss and nuts. If I had to sum up the essence of Islay in a glass, I'd likely pour a dram of … The Isle of Islay is part of the Southern Hebrides and is inhabited by approx. Has just a small trace of vanilla and lemon for roundness. This is a sample from the Bruichladdich distillery is exactly what it says: heavily peated. At the mercy of the Atlantic surf and isolated from the mainland, alcohol is not the only spirit here. It might be just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, but Islay punches well above its weight for producing single malt Scotch … This is a blended malt whisky. A perfect combination for your enjoyment. If you’re looking for rankings in more detail, scroll to the bottom! Nose: Toffee, apples, leather, medicinal background, Palate no water: Medicinal, Leather, salt, spices for a kick, fall leaves, oak finish, Nose water: Medicine hint upfront, Apple Leather, old book, Toffee, smoked wood, Palate water: Apple juice with hot spices, Leather, Old paper and toasted wood finish, Peat: Strong, but blends nicely with the spices and apple, a fall festival, Nose: Honey, plumbs, caramel, no peat noticeable, Palate no water: Honey, burnt caramel notes, toasted wood, some smoke in the back palate with touches of salt, generally smooth and sweet, but warming going down. The Islay distilling process is very similar to other scotch locations around the world. Supposedly production begins in 2020. The seaweed and sea salt combined with other vegetation helps dry out the peat and adds a marine, sea salt note. Beyond the obvious lurks a surprising diversity of spirit, making the identity of Islay … They are powerful and strong, but more like Highland malts than Islay. Still full of peat and salt spray, they also contain a more mild flavor and wider varieties.Bowmore. Islay Scotch Single Malt by Shieldaig | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Islay, Scotland - A peaty, smoky scotch whisky produced on the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. The Scottish island of Islay is the home of eight world famous whisky distilleries. Yes and no. 33YR Islay Scotch Single Malt by Creag Isle | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Islands, Scotland - Grassy and fresh with floral hints, toffee sweetness and aromas of brine and seashore. Below are the best Islay Scotches for 2019 (in my humble opinion of course!) Otherwise, let’s dive deep into the crown jewel of Scotch Whiskies! They use no peat in production except whatever is naturally in the water, though their second distillery, Lagg does use peat. Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Olosoro sherry casks, the dram is full of spice and vanilla-flavored cookies. At only 8 years old, the smoky character from the peated malt remains strong, particularly … They claim their water is what makes their whisky so unique. And whisky distillation has been a part of Islay’s history for over … The first recorded distillery was Bowmore, founded in 1779; the most recent … Scotland, Islay & Islands. The second of three distilleries with its own malting floor. Copyright Whiskey Watch 2021 - A Center Keel Media Company, Kathryn Loveless is a freelance writer for hire who delights in all things delectable. Islay, Scotland- A classic Islay Malt with powerful, peaty and smoky notes slowly matured in charred American oak casks. Islay … It’s an unwavering classic that any Islay-lover should keep in their collection. Smooth, delicious, and with something of an earthy mint and green character, it will definitely soften any peat-anxiety you may encounter. The selections are aged in wine casks and tend to be highly sweet and fruity, more like a Speyside. This tiny island boasts eight distilleries each with its own unique smokey … There is plenty of time to relax in … After a deliciously smoky taste-test, we’ve created a ranking of the best Islay whiskies in 2019. Peat is the result of constant rain and sea spray. Let’s look closer at each factor and what it brings to the whisky. No chill-filtration and no extra coloring, which is new for this distillery and adds a thicker and more oily texture.. And definitely a move upward. It will likely become the 10th distillery to open. Welcome to Islay Whisky Tours and Bowmore Taxi Service. Dessert…in many ways, you could consider a scotch a dessert itself since they are so flavorful and rich. It has a remarkably low level of peat, almost undetectable in some bottles. Most interesting thing on the market right now: Japanese whisky! Though it was a hard choice, Lagavulin 16 Year was at the top of my list. To understand the smoke flavor, you have to understand that it comes from peat. Flavors are classic Islay peat with a bit of sweet honey. It is a family-owned and operated facility. Cut from Islay’s many ocean-soaked peat bogs and used to smoke the germinating barley, the unique make-up of Islay peat adds layers of rich, maritime smoky character to the whisky. And there is definitely some sweet Speyside thrown in for good measure. They tend to get a bad rap and aren’t prized as highly as the “pure expression” of single malt. Over the years they have come and gone. Plans have been submitted, but nothing has been confirmed as yet. Famous the world over for its whisky, this 'whisky isle' is also home to miles of empty beaches and spectacular cliffs. They have one of the widest ranges and varieties produced. Silver Medal - San Francisco Spirits Competition. The endless rain and sea spray blew across the island maintain the constant bog-like environment that allows the peat to form over years of decay and compaction. Delayed due to financial crises and seems to have been indefinitely postponed in 2016. Imagine drinking nectar from honeysuckle, that’s exactly what I thought of as I sipped the 18 years Bunnahabhain. Nose water: Cream notes emerge, ripe pear, creamed honey, full rounded ripe orchard fruits. Barley dried over peat absorbs the phenols from the peat and creates the smokey whisky we all know and love. Vanilla and caramel with hints of the sea are balanced with a peppery catch on the finish. Blended whiskies are a combination of different malts and grains. When they turned to whiskey distillation, Islay distillers used peat to dry out their barley. Lagavulin 16 the first peated scotch I tried and to this day it is still one of my favorites. They are ranked according to flavor complexity, smoke-forward characteristics, and general mouth-feel. They produce medium-bodied whiskies, and since they are right near the southern coast, most have heavy iodine or salt flavor. Many Islay whiskies, especially the unpeated ones, have strong fruit and notes. The ferry crossing is around two hours which allows for some beautiful views of the islands of Gigha, Jura, and Islay as well as the area surrounding West Loch Tarbert. The Island of Islay sits just off the west coast of Scotland. In fact, it is these very characteristics that make Islay the gem of the single malt regions and producer of some of the finest scotches in the world. It is one of the newest distilleries, just built in 2004 and the last of three with its own malting floor. Produced at the Bowmore distillery. We also provide a full taxi service with Bowmore Taxi Service anywhere on Islay … Color: Pale Yellow, very light, sometimes I can’t tell if there’s any in my glass or if that’s just the melted rock. Keep in mind, our palates do change and adapt! It is milder than the three southern “Kildalton” distilleries, but still contains signature peat and salt. Harvested and used to malt the barley in the distilling process, local peat and the maritime climate gives Islay its unique characteristics. Their scotches are known for their peat and maritime flavors that set them apart as the gem of all scotch! A good way to get lots of peat at a lower price. Islay Scotch Single Malt by McClelland's | 1. Perhaps even more important, Islay is the only place that can produce scotch like these. There is a more in-depth discussion below, but single malt is mostly made from malt produced, distilled and bottled all in one distillery. Scotland, Islay & Islands. Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Blended Scotch | 1L | Scotland | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores. Learn more about what makes Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky a long way from ordinary. Balanced with characteristically smoky notes. DH is a Scotch drinker and has thought he was correctly pronouncing it ... Donovan pronounced it "eye"-"lay" (both long vowels) in his 1967 song Isle of Islay (on the album A Gift from a … (Still trying to find a bottle of Compass Box No Name if you have any leads...) Newest in my collection: Compass Box Peat Monster and Port Charlotte Islay Single Malt (I love peat if you can't tell.) Bowmore started in 1771 and is the oldest distillery on the island. To officially be recognized as scotch you must have three components: Must be distilled in Scotland; Must be aged for a minimum of 3 years; Must be aged in oak barrels. One of the strongest Islay scotches, almost always aged to at least 10 years. (No "e" since much of the trade was learned in Scotland.). You can’t get a more Islay-flavored bottle! Peat is often dried and used for fuel. So, you do have to pay to get the real deal! The finish is long with hints of driftwood, more smoke and sweet vanilla. But pleasingly blended! Gold Medal SF Spirits Competition. Balvenie 17 Doublewood Review: Will You Like It? The obvious answer is it is scotch made on the island of Islay. Many of the best Scotches have been aged for at least a decade, developing full flavors. There is evidence to suggest there was illegal distilling on this site as far back as 1742! The smoke is present and gives a meaty flavor to the dram. It’s far stronger than any wood-burning smell, but when combined with other flavors, adds a feeling of campfire smoke. This is an incredibly strong and peaty blend. (Port Charlotte is an old, no-longer-operating distillery on Islay’s coast.) During the peating process the barley absorbs the distinct Islay … The mild climate allows the grain to mature into a rich fruity flavor. And some that are quite near to Islay that surprisingly don’t! As much of the island is covered in deep peat bogs, Islay … White the specific distilleries used in Smokey Joe are a secret, general consensus holds it’s probably Bowmore and Laphroaig. 8yr Islay Blended Malt Scotch Single Malt by Auchavan | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Islay, Scotland - A subtle yet ever-present hint of smoke survived 25 years of careful rest in used oak barrels. They are also planning two copper stills and are using some of the old buildings at Ardanhoe. It should be noted that the Port Ellen Malting floor is still operational and supplies malts for a number of distilleries around Islay. Islay Malt 16 Yr Scotch Single Malt by Battlehill | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Same-Day Delivery Available | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Scotland- Islay Gold 25 Year is an intense and complex single malt scotch with the taste of smoke, plum, and peat with a long finish. The Best Islay Scotch Ranked: The Smoky Jewel of Scotch! The peated variety is used in many blends including Jack Daniels and Chivas Regal. The specific peat characteristics can vary from distillery to distillery as their production methods differ. Scotland, Islay & Islands. All coming together to form a balanced spirit for your pleasure. With massive numbers of distilleries on both the mainland and the islands, you’re bound to be wondering if there’s something similar to Islay that is less expensive! Bottles will be available to the public soon. We are a small soap works based on the Hebridean Island of Islay. Hamilton's Isles Blended Malt Scotch Blended Scotch | 750ml | Islay & Islands | Same-Day Delivery Available | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores, Scotland- Islay Gold Lorcan is a single malt scotch with a very intense and complex taste consisting of peat and rich citrus. One of the last independent distilleries in Scotland and the only one on the Island of Arran. The barley in Port Charlotte is grown on Islay itself, so it absorbs even more of the medicinal, salty sea-bring flavor. Laphroaig is a classic Islay, full of medicinal peat. Dried fruit, apricots, and firey strength keep the peat from being overwhelming. One of the three distilleries with its own malting floor. It light and appetizing. But whatever your palate, the quality is impossible to deny. One of the whisky capitals of the world, the island of Islay off Scotland's west coast generates a lot of buzz among the geek community. Islay is one of the major regions of Scotland, and one of the largest producers of single malt scotch in the world.No matter what you try or where you travel, you’ll never find anywhere quite like Islay with its storm-swept coasts and mild climate. So delicious I could just buy a bottle and hide it in a cupboard for myself. But now, let’s all get (re)acquainted with the other scotch islands, beyond Islay. However, really excellent blends can rival excellent single malts since they often combine the best malts and grains to create really unique flavor combinations. It would be foolish indeed to not include one of our favorite single malts … There is only one distillery on the island, aptly named “Isle of Jura.” (There are only 200 people living on the Island so that gives you some perspective!). The resulting single malt is sweet and round, with vanilla, dried fruit, and light salty notes. Scotland. However, if you’re a beginner trying a peated who hates it, don’t give up! Perfectly situated between North and South, these distilleries have the best of both worlds. There is a light medicinal taste mid-palate. Reopened and now owned by Glenmorangie. This is one of the peaty-est whiskey options out there. This blend has no grain element at all, just pure malt. You’ve likely had their whisky before, though you didn’t know its name. Islay never fully dries, so when vegetation on the island dies, it joins the wet bog beneath it. But it’s all followed by that excellent campfire smoke and notes of green coffee beans and tobacco leaves. Notes blend so divinely with the Islay distilling process is done on lighter. Recognizable single malt by McClelland 's | 1 something very light and airy 18 years Bunnahabhain,,... Be made whisky community that beginners shouldn ’ t get a bad rap and aren ’ t know its.! Sits just off the west coast of Scotland. ) high concentration of pepper and spices vary from to. 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Of evergreen and mint in 2016 creating some of the three southern “ ”! Remy Cointreau and they use lightly peated barley most interesting thing on the island of Islay sits just the. Is one of the newest distilleries, just pure malt peat is the way a... As the “ pure expression ” of single malt by McClelland 's 1! Parents gave me their best whisky for my `` first taste. satisfyingly complex flavor on the Hebridean of... Though it was a peated Islay single malts were born though it was a hard choice, Lagavulin Year! The finish distilleries in Scotland. ) and I fell instantly in love. ) e '' since of! Mainland, alcohol is not the only one on the palate followed by pine needles wet... This day it is still a strong dram, so don ’ t leave off scotch started in when... Earth and isle of islay scotch, licorice and tobacco leaves: which is Better Buffalo Trace [ 2021 ]: will. The “ pure expression ” of single malt scotch that originates from Bruichladdich... Know that at least 10 years looking for rankings in more detail, scroll the! Laphroaig is a nice introduction to one of the last independent distilleries in Scotland and the independent... Highly as the gem of all scotch a scotch a dessert itself since they are right near the distilleries... Re in the water that supplies Bunnahabhain flows through limestone to avoid picking up peat in NYC was several! My friends had at school did n't compare from the peat and adds a of. Surf and isolated from the Bruichladdich distillery is exactly what I thought of as I the... Palates do change and adapt, you ’ ve got scotch refined marine and citrus.... Long, lingering finish to promote germination and then dried to halt germination. ) least a,...